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Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper East Regional Minister, has called on residents who fled Bawku due to prolonged conflict to consider returning, emphasising that peace is gradually being restored to the area.
His appeal came during the celebration of the Samanpiid festival, a key cultural event for the Kusasi ethnic group, held at the Daduri Catholic Park in Bawku.
Addressing the chiefs and people of the Kusaug traditional area, Dr. Bin Salih expressed optimism that ongoing security measures and community efforts are fostering a return to normalcy.
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“I want to appeal to those who fled to return as normalcy is gradually returning to Bawku,” he said. “Nobody can bring peace to Bawku; it is you and me who can bring peace. The presence of security personnel, the imposition of curfews, and the ban on motor riding are only temporary measures.”
The minister’s remarks reflect growing confidence in the efforts to stabilise the troubled region, even as authorities acknowledge the need for sustained peacebuilding initiatives.
The Samanpiid festival, an annual tradition of the Kusasi people, celebrates the end of the harvest season with gratitude to God, ancestors, and the gods of the land.
The event’s durbar, introduced 37 years ago, has become a cornerstone of cultural unity in the Bawku traditional area.
This year’s festival held special importance as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of Zugraan, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the overlord of the Kusaug traditional area.
Dignitaries from across Ghana, including a delegation from the Asantehene, attended the festival, underscoring national solidarity with the people of Bawku amid their challenges.
In a speech read on his behalf by his secretary, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II reiterated his call for the creation of a new region within the Bawku area.
He argued that such a move could catalyse development, improve governance, and address underlying tensions in the region.
The overlord’s vision aligns with broader calls for decentralisation as a means of fostering equitable development and conflict resolution in Ghana’s northern regions.
While the return of displaced residents remains a complex issue, the success of the Samanpiid festival symbolises the resilience of the Kusasi people and their commitment to peace.
Dr. Bin Salih’s appeal, coupled with the region’s cultural celebration, sends a strong message of hope and recovery.
However, sustaining peace will require collaborative efforts from local authorities, community leaders, and residents to address the root causes of the conflict and build trust among all stakeholders.
As Bawku moves forward, the gradual restoration of peace provides an opportunity for its people to reclaim their lives and rebuild their community, offering a beacon of hope for other conflict-affected regions.
