President John Dramani Mahama on Friday assured that the peace mediation process led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will resume next week as part of efforts to restore calm in the conflict-prone Bawku township and its environs.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy President Mahama disclosed that the Asantehene had assured him of his commitment to reconvene stakeholders and continue the peace dialogue upon his return from a brief visit abroad.
“We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process, which saw all stakeholders participate in discussions in Kumasi on a roadmap towards peace. I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will commence next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad,” said Mahama.
He urged all parties to the conflict to renew their commitment to peace, adding, “I entreat all sides to embrace peace as we dialogue to resolve these age-old disputes.”
President Mahama described the recent violence in Bawku, where an incident in a marketplace about two days ago led to the loss of life and destruction of property.
“The flashpoint continues to be the Bawku area. Only two days ago, an incident in a marketplace triggered an unfortunate loss of lives and criminal vandalism of properties. I wish to emphasise that nobody gains from this situation of conflict and insecurity,” added the Ghanaian leader.
He commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for their work in the volatile area. “Congratulations to our Armed Forces for the sacrifices, even at the peril of your lives, to protect lives and property in the Bawku conflict area. We need the cooperation of all to restore peace in Bawku and its environs,” he added.
He also reaffirmed plans to expand the Armed Forces’ operational and combat capacity. His administration would prioritize better training, modern equipment, and rapid deployment readiness for the military.
“In resetting our nation to build the Ghana we want; my government will aggressively pursue the ideas of operational and combat readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces. We will resource the Ghana Armed Forces with better equipment, including more simulators, more advanced training, and the ability to mobilize swiftly in times of need,” he said.
Bawku, a town in the Upper East region of Ghana is predominantly inhabited by the Kusasis and the Mamprusis.
The conflict between these groups has its roots in historical tensions, competition over resources, and political conflicts. The Bawku conflict is a long-standing conflict involving a struggle for traditional leadership between the two main ethnic groups.
The tension in the township escalated further on Thursday, April 10, after unidentified youth vandalized and set fire to the residence of Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP) and Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga.
The incident occurred amid ongoing unrest linked to Bawku’s long-standing chieftaincy dispute.
The latest act of violence follows Wednesday’s deadly clash between youth groups and law enforcement, which left one person dead, with several others injured. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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