President seeks end to Bawku crisis - Says area's peace top priority

President John Dramani Mahama has initiated moves to end the cycle of violence in Bawku, pledging to broker lasting peace between the feuding Mamprusi and Kusasi communities whose members have been embroiled in a protracted dispute over land ownership and chieftaincy rights.

President Mahama said restoring peace to Bawku was a top priority for his administration.

“The priority of our government is to bring peace to Bawku so that everyone can go about his duties without fear of harassment,” the President said. 

During a visit to the Bawku Naba’s Palace in Bawku in the Upper East Region yesterday, President Mahama assured the Paramount Chief of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Zug-raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, of his commitment to the peace of the area. 

Sympathy 

He acknowledged the region's history of peace, recalling his previous tenure as President when Bawku and its surroundings were peaceful.

 A section of the gathering listening to President Mahama’s address at Bawku Naba’s Palace

President Mahama expressed sympathy for the community's suffering, marked by stress and fear of harassment, over the past three years.

He assured them that his government was working tirelessly to address the situation.

“I remember when I was President Bawku and its surroundings were very peaceful and people were going about their duties. It is sad that this situation has come again,” he said. 

Security appointments

To help expedite the peace process, President Mahama announced that key appointments, including ministers of Defence, Interior, National Security Advisor and Coordinators, would be made within the week.

These officials, he said, would be tasked to make Bawku their top priority and work towards a lasting solution.

“Our people must feel safe to travel to wherever they want and not have people shoot at them, so you can be sure that we will deal with all of this situation,” President Mahama said. 

President Mahama urged the community to exercise patience and restraint, reassuring them that he was committed to resolving the issue.

He said the government's goal was to ensure that everyone could live without fear of harassment or violence.

“Trust in me and this administration that by the grace of God, peace is going to come back to Bawku permanently,” President Mahama said. 

The visit was President Mahama's first major assignment outside Accra since his inauguration last week.

It was part of a dual engagement initiated by the President to address the conflict between the feuding factions.

The President and his delegation will also meet with the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Nayiiri Bohagu Abdulai Mahami.