The Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has said the government shall separate crimes from traditional matters.
According to the Defence Minister, the government will continue to uphold law and order in conflict-prone areas affected by chieftaincy disputes.
He revealed that individuals who manipulate traditional conflicts to commit crimes will be dealt with through legal means.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, Dr Omane Boamah stated, “We shall always separate crimes from traditional matters, enabling us to deal appropriately and legally with criminals who foment trouble in the name of chieftaincy conflict”.
“We acknowledge that the situation in Bawku and Alavanyo and their immediate surroundings remains volatile. The Ghana Armed Forces is actively monitoring and has put in place robust mechanisms to ensure any potential escalation is swiftly contained in the interest of the people and long-lasting resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” he said.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has told the Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Yiri, that Bawku, which was once a prosperous commercial centre, is now a pale shadow of itself due to the ongoing Bawku conflict.
John Mahama noted that the conflict in Bawku continues to pose a grave challenge to Ghana’s national peace and regional harmony.
According to John Mahama, the conflict has affected the Mamprusi, Kusasi, Moeshies, Hausas, and all other ethnic groups living in the area.
Speaking at the Jubilee House during a visit by a delegation from the Nayiri, John Mahama stated, “I cannot speak of peace and development in the North without touching on the situation in Bawku. The protracted conflict in Bawku continues to pose a grave challenge to our national peace and regional harmony.
Bawku, which has always been the booming and prosperous commercial centre, is now a pale shadow of itself. Nobody is happy about this situation. Youth move around on motorcycles with sophisticated assault rifles and fire indiscriminately.
The conflict has affected everyone, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Moeshies, Hausas, and all other ethnic groups living in the area. Many professionals have fled the area and public service workers are refusing postings to Bawku,” he said.
The president further commended the Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Yiri, saying, “I was with His Royal Majesty Nana Osei Tutu II two days ago, and he briefed me on the cooperation you have given him in finding a final traditional solution to the conflict,” Mahama said. “I commend you for the concessions you have been willing to make in order to seek lasting peace in Bawku.”
“Let me commend Your Royal Majesty for the dignified and statelike manner in which you have responded to these tensions. Your calm and reasonable voice has been a source of guidance to many, and I sincerely appreciate your commitment to peace.”
“I take this opportunity to humbly urge all stakeholders to speed up the mediation process so that peace can return to Bawku in order that residents can return to their normal lives as soon as possible,” he said.
John Mahama further reiterated his government to restoring lasting peace in Bawku.
He added, “Government remains resolute in restoring lasting peace and stability in Bawku. This includes enhancing the security presence, supporting conflict resolution mechanisms, and fostering deeper dialogue with all traditional, religious, and civic stakeholders.”
“I believe that peace in Bawku is a matter of national importance and that it requires our collective resolve so that justice will prevail and that we will resolve our issues by dialogue”
“I wish to assure you that the government will continue to rely on your wisdom and partnership in navigating these sensitive matters in a manner that upholds human dignity and preserves the unity of our people”, John Mahama reiterated.
