Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has made a commitment to prioritize efforts aimed at resolving the longstanding Bawku conflict if he is granted another term in office.
The Bawku conflict, marked by ethno-political tensions between the Kusasis and Mamprusis, has endured for decades, resulting in loss of lives and impeding socio-economic development in the region.
During his address to members of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, former President John Mahama underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to facilitate dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and establish sustainable peace initiatives in the region.
“Just recently, I was reading they have put a ban on riding motorcycles again in the evening. Generally, it is a period of insecurity for people living in that area. In the night, buses are fired upon, and people are killed. These are things that we are going to make a priority when we come. We have done it before [and] we will do it again. We will work hard to resolve the Bawku crisis and bring peace back to Bawku and its surrounding areas.”
Highlighting the period of relative peace experienced by the people of Bawku during his presidency, Mr. Mahama expressed confidence in his capacity to garner support from various stakeholders and lead efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the Bawku conflict.
The former President emphasized his commitment to leveraging his experience and engaging with diverse parties to foster understanding and cooperation, ultimately working towards sustainable peace in the region.
“At the time we were in office, we had virtually calmed things. Bawku was a striving community, and people were going about their business without the fear of being harmed. Unfortunately, now, you cannot roam freely in Bawku.
As part of his “Building Ghana” tour, the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is currently in the Upper East Region for a two-day visit. Responding to concerns raised by members of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, particularly regarding security issues in the region, especially in Bawku, the NDC flagbearer expressed his apprehension about the escalating armed robberies affecting the economic progress of the area.
The President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, lamented the spread of the Bawku conflict across the country. He welcomed any suggestions and support from the NDC flagbearer and his team to contribute to bringing lasting peace to the troubled area.
“Ghanaians need peace to go about their normal duties. The Kuasaug Traditional Council needs peace in Bawku to restore the area back to its former status, and it is important that a lot of work needs to be done while in opposition. The regional capital and its suburbs have recently witnessed target killings. We need peace and a permanent solution to prevent this mess from spreading to the entire region. We know the burden rests on the sincerity and honesty of the politicians on both sides of the divide. We, the Upper East region, are prepared to extend a warm hand of cooperation to whoever is interested in bringing peace in Bawku and the Kusaug Traditional Area as a whole.”