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Conflict resolution and labour expert Austin Gamey has expressed strong confidence that the long-running Bawku conflict can be resolved if politics is taken out of the equation.
Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, April 12, Gamey stressed that the involvement of politicians has complicated efforts to bring lasting peace to the troubled area. “Politicians should be put aside; there are rules governing the resolution of litigations,” he said. “If they need our help, we will help… the Bawku conflict can be resolved.”
His comments follow calls by Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Kwame Andy Appiah-Kubi, urging leaders from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to unite in efforts to restore calm in Bawku. He noted that political actors have had a hand in fuelling the conflict and appealed to them to step back.
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“If at all politicians will come in, politicians from both sides must hold hands to solve the problem… Show the people of Bawku that it is not in anybody’s interest to be killing yourselves,” Appiah-Kubi said.
Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor also appealed to the youth of Bawku to embrace peace, warning that continued violence would only derail development efforts in the area.
“When there is conflict and insecurity, roads cannot be fixed, electricity connections to communities cannot be made, traders won’t bring their goods because of fear of being attacked, and teachers cannot be transferred there,” the South Dayi MP noted.
The renewed national focus on the Bawku crisis comes after violent clashes on Thursday, April 10, led to fatalities, injuries, and the reported burning of the private residence of Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga.
President John Dramani Mahama also weighed in on the matter during a speech at the Ghana Military Academy Graduation Parade on Friday, April 11.
He condemned the fresh violence and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring peace in Bawku.
“Only two days ago, a situation that took place in the market triggered an unfortunate loss of life and criminal vandalism of property. I wish to emphasise that nobody gains from this conflict and insecurities,” the president stated.
He revealed that the Asantehene-led mediation process—which previously brought together key stakeholders to craft a roadmap to peace—will resume next week following Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s return from a brief trip abroad.
“We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process… I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will resume next week,” Mahama said.
As the nation looks toward a peaceful resolution, the common call from experts, MPs, and the president remains clear: it’s time to set politics aside and prioritise peace in Bawku.
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