Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has accused National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah of receiving GH¢18 million every quarter to manage the ongoing conflict in Bawku.
Mr Ayariga claimed that the current administration, particularly the National Security Ministry, is profiting from the ongoing strife in Bawku.
He criticized the situation as both outrageous and unacceptable, suggesting that the government is capitalizing on the conflict while the local population suffers in poverty and hardship.
In an interview with Waezor TV on August 4, Mr Ayariga asserted that the GH¢18 million allocated quarterly is meant to support various security operations aimed at restoring peace in the area.
However, he raised concerns about whether these funds are being effectively utilized or reaching their intended purposes.
Ayariga demanded greater transparency and accountability in the handling of these funds and called for a thorough audit to ensure the resources are being used appropriately to address the conflict.
“For a long time, Bawku has struggled with insecurity, which I believe stems largely from the NPP’s promises. According to a reliable and credible report I have reviewed, the National Security Minister is allocated GH¢18 million quarterly for managing the Bawku conflict. This equates to GH¢6 million per month, yet the local people continue to endure poverty,” he stated.
This allegation has generated significant public interest and concern, as the Bawku conflict remains a critical issue for Ghana.
The National Security Minister is yet to react to the allegation levelled against him.
The conflict, rooted in ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, has caused numerous casualties and widespread instability in the region.
Multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations, have been involved in efforts to resolve the crisis, but the situation remains precarious.