With 39 days until Ghana’s 2024 election, residents in nine constituencies in and around Bawku may face challenges in casting their votes.
Renewed clashes over the weekend in the longstanding Bawku chieftaincy dispute have tragically claimed over eight lives. Constituencies at risk include Binduri, Pusiga, Bawku Central, Zebilla, Bongo, Bolgatanga Central and East, Builsa North and South, Chiana Paga, and Garu.
To manage the security crisis, the Interior Ministry has imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, complicating voting prospects.
Security in Bawku Township has been reinforced to uphold the curfew, seen as a setback in peace-building efforts. Security analysts warn that if the government does not find a sustainable resolution before December 7, electoral activities could be severely impacted. This has already led NPP parliamentary candidates to suspend their campaigns.
As for potential solutions, beyond the curfew, the government could consider a multi-pronged approach. This could involve engaging traditional leaders in dialogue, establishing community-based peace councils, and deploying conflict resolution experts to mediate between parties.
Additionally, creating a long-term development plan that addresses economic needs might help reduce tensions, offering a constructive path toward lasting peace.
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