The possibility of bringing a lasting solution to the conflict at Bawku is a reality, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is optimistic.
He has promised to work towards ensuring peace in the area to harness sustainable development for the people if he is elected President of the Republic.
Addressing the Bawkunaba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and his elders during a visit to the town Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Dr. Bawumia intimated that the two factions involved in the prolong conflict are one people, and that there are guidelines enshrined in the nation’s constitution to resolve issues of chieftaincy, rather than the extreme antagonism that has cost many lives and properties.
“I believe with every bone in my body that, it is possible to have peace and harmony between Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku and I will work towards that. We have to work towards that. It is possible.
“Your Majesty, let me be clear that the constitution of the Republic of Ghana has set out very clear guidelines for the resolution of chieftaincy disputes. This is through the House of Chiefs and ultimately the Supreme Court,” he said.
He reemphasised the need to concentrate on building the capacity of the youth to foster development, rather than fighting among themselves to stall progress.
“The problem our people face is poverty and underdevelopment. As president, in shaa Allah, I will contribute immensely to uplifting our people from poverty and underdevelopment.
“We cannot, however, be successful in our quest to eradicate poverty and bring development to our people in an atmosphere of conflict. We need peace for development. Our youth need jobs, we need education, we need healthcare, we need roads. We should be fighting for the interest of our youth and not fight with each other,” Dr. Bawumia said.
Call for ceasefire
Speaking on the devastating repercussions of the conflict, the Vice President called for the cessation of the violence which he said is not the best way to address the conflict that has ravaged the town.
“Fighting and killing each other can never resolve it. And I should also state that under the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, no government can impose or use force to settle a Chieftaincy dispute.
“As a son of the North, I am very pained by the conflict that we have in Bawku between Kusasis and Mamprusis over Chieftaincy. This conflict has led to needless loss of lives and disrupted economic activity and development in Bawku. It is really sad. Fundamentally, we are really one people. We have inter-married over the years and our languages are very similar.
The Bawkunaba commended Dr. Bawumia for the visit, saying it demonstrates that he is truly a unifier.
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