President John Dramani Mahama has called on the parties involved in the Bawku conflict to approach the proposals of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II with an open mind, aiming for a lasting solution to the dispute that has led to numerous fatalities and significant property destruction.
During a durbar in Bolgatanga on Thursday, March 20, as part of his ‘Thank You’ tour of the Upper East Region, the President expressed his appreciation for the King’s mediation initiative.
“I called His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II yesterday to thank him for the commencement of his mediation efforts to find a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Bawku.
“It is my hope that all parties to the conflict who took part in the mediation process in Manhyia last week will consider the proposals with an open mind and return in good faith to the negotiations when they resume in two weeks time,” he said.
“Peace can and must prevail in Bawku and the surrounding areas,” President Mahama added.
Condemnation
President Mahama also condemned the recent killing of a soldier in Bawku, as well as the reported military retaliation that resulted in injuries to many residents.
“I want to take this opportunity to denounce the killing of a member of the Ghana Army in Bawku. The personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces deployed in the conflict zone are peacekeepers tasked with protecting lives and property. It is unacceptable for them to become targets in a conflict in which they are not participants.
“Similarly, I condemn the heavy-handed response of our armed forces, which led to the assault and injury of many innocent civilians,” he said.
He emphasized, “There must be restraint, and effective intelligence gathering should be utilized to identify and apprehend the real culprits. I would like to extend my condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and my sympathies to all those who were injured or assaulted during the military response.”
