The Wenchiki Paramount Chief, Alhaji Abubakar Awufour has made a heartfelt appeal for peace amidst the ongoing conflict in Bawku, Ghana. The chief’s call comes as a welcome respite from the violence that has plagued the region for weeks, leaving scores dead and many more injured.
In a passionate plea, the paramount chief advised the people of Bawku to seek peace among themselves, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding. He urged the community to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal – peace.
The chief also called on the government to intervene swiftly to bring an end to the conflict. He emphasized the need for prompt action to address the root causes of the violence and provide assistance to those affected.
Furthermore, the paramount chief appealed to the police and military to remain neutral in the conflict. He stressed the importance of impartiality, urging the security agencies to avoid taking sides and instead focus on maintaining law and order.
The Bawku conflict has a long and complex history, dating back to 1931. The dispute revolves around the occupancy of the Bawku skin, which represents chiefly authority in the Bawku traditional area. The conflict has been fueled by deep-seated grievances and long-standing rivalries between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups.
Despite numerous peace building efforts, the conflict remains unresolved. The National Peace Council, the Regional and District Security Council, and various NGOs have all attempted to broker peace, but their efforts have been met with limited success.
The paramount chief’s call for peace is a significant development in the conflict. His appeal has the potential to resonate with the community and inspire a new wave of peace building efforts.
As the people of Bawku look to the future, they face significant challenges. The conflict has strained resources, overstretched security capacities, and diverted attention from other important national security concerns.
In the midst of this uncertainty, the paramount chief’s call for peace offers a glimmer of hope. His appeal serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for peace and reconciliation.
As the situation in Bawku continues to unfold, one thing is clear – the need for peace and stability in the region is more pressing than ever. The paramount chief’s call for peace must be heeded, and all stakeholders must work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict.