Report by: Ishmael Barfi
The Government of Ghana has been called upon to institute an immediate mediation committee to resolve the continuous tension in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
The call by the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) in a press statement is to address the recent escalating violence in Bawku which lead to the lost of three (3) lives including a nine (9) and Sixteen (16) year old boy and girl as well as several others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
According to FOSDA, the turmoil in the area is becoming extremely worrying and should be treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
Explaining that, this eminent mediation committee is needed because the conflict is having negative impacts on livelihoods, and fears of a spill over effects throughout the Bawku environs, the Upper East Region and the entire country at large.
The press statement signed by the Acting Executive, Mrs. Theodora Anti expressed its worry about the display of ammunitions and guns by civilians which according to them, is making the situation in Bawku very scary.
“This is anchored on the comments of the Bawku MCE, Hon. Amadu Hamza who said that “Bawku is seriously crashing down”, it reiterated.
The conflict FOSDA pointed out has completely destroyed the education of children, made nurses to flee as well residents.
“We share the pains of all parties; we call on them to exercise restraint and use the legal means to resolve their difference since the use of arms and ammunition has never resolved any dispute anywhere”, it urged.
The press statement further condemned all manner of violent act and attacks and therefore called on the National Security to beef up security in the area to protect lives and property in and around Bawku township.
“FOSDA wish to call of the President of the Republic of Ghana. HE, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to consider establishing an Eminent Mediation Committee to facilitate an amicable resolution of this protracted conflict that has characterized Bawku over the years.
To FOSDA, the establishment of a team of Eminent Mediators as in the case of the Dagbon Conflict has a high probability of resolving the conflict and fostering lasting peace to Bawku.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
