Former President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to restoring peace in Bawku, a town plagued by protracted ethnic and chieftaincy conflicts.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Bawku Naaba as part of his post-election engagements, President Mahama assured the traditional ruler and the people of the area that his administration’s top priority is to restore lasting peace to the region.
In his address, President Mahama emphasized the importance of unity and security in fostering development in the conflict-stricken area.
He appealed to the people of Bawku to remain patient and exercise restraint as the government takes steps to address the ongoing tensions.
“I appeal to you to exercise patience and restraint. I am fully appraised of the issues, and I assure you that I, along with my administration, will work diligently to bring permanent peace to Bawku by the grace of God,” he said.
The former president highlighted the peaceful state of Bawku during his previous tenure, reminiscing about how the community thrived under stability. “When I was president, Bawku was a peaceful place. People were going about their duties without fear, and development was taking place. It is sad that the situation has deteriorated,” he lamented.
President Mahama acknowledged the hardship and stress the people of Bawku have endured over the past three years, pledging that the current administration will work tirelessly to restore normalcy.
Government Actions and Appointments
As part of measures to address the conflict, President Mahama revealed plans to appoint ministers and officials to key security roles tasked with ensuring safety in Bawku.
“These appointments will include the Minister of Defense, Minister of Interior, National Security Adviser, and other officials. Once these appointments are made, I will charge them to prioritize Bawku as a key area of focus,” he said.
He also assured the Bawku Naaba and residents that strategies are being put in place to prevent further violence and to create an environment where citizens can move freely without fear of harassment or attacks.
Appeal for Restraint and Cooperation
President Mahama urged the people of Bawku to support the peace process by refraining from actions that could escalate tensions. “We cannot live in a country where people do not feel safe. Everyone must feel secure to travel and conduct their activities without fear of being attacked,” he stated.
He commended the Bawku Naaba for his leadership and assured him that efforts to restore peace would consider the concerns and requests of traditional authorities. “Your request for peace has not been forgotten. We recognize that it is essential for progress in this area,” he added.
Looking Ahead
President Mahama’s visit marks his first major engagement outside Accra since his recent election. He noted that the restoration of peace in Bawku remains a personal mission, given his deep ties to the community and his campaign promise to address the issue if elected.
The visit ended with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to making Bawku a priority and ensuring the region returns to a state of stability and development.
Bawku has been a hotspot for violent conflict in Ghana, largely driven by disputes over traditional leadership and ethnic differences. The situation has led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of economic activities. Stakeholders across political, traditional, and civil society spheres continue to call for coordinated efforts to resolve the crisis and rebuild the community.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/I.J Bediako
