Story by: Ishmael Barfi
In efforts to resolve the Bawku conflict, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is calling on the Government of Ghana to urgently constitute an independent mediation committee to support existing processes to find a lasting resolution to the protracted conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
According to them, they are deeply troubled about the recent happenings in the conflict.
Adding, “We are deeply concerned about the high probability of the situation degenerating into a violent situation beyond the Bawku area, therefore we are calling on all parties, including the Mamprusi and the Kusasi, to cease fire and resort to dialogue to ensure peace”.
This contained a press release issued by the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Accra.
In furtherance, “As CSOs working in the area and on peace and security issues at various levels, we are cognizant of the protracted and complex nature of the Bawku conflict, as well as the political undertones that drive the conflict and trigger violence in the area every time”.
Though they are aware of the various initiatives and processes, that have been put in place to resolve the conflict some of which are ongoing, they indicated that “our observation is that the recent happenings, threats of violence and the continuous agitation are indicative of the mistrust of both parties in existing or on-going processes to resolve the conflict”.
Therefore expressed worry about the recent government approaches to maintaining peace in the area which appear uncoordinated, lack intelligence, and risk engendering violence.
The conflict release noted that Bawku township is gradually becoming a pale shadow of itself as trading, education, health, and social service delivery have been negatively affected by the exodus of teachers, nurses, and businesses from the town.
The release further stated that, the recent happenings in Bawku are disturbing and that, if not urgently addressed, they will further weaken human security indicators in the area and make the area more susceptible to terrorist and extremist recruitment and attacks, thereby endangering the whole country.
“The conflict has a high potential to spill over to nearby communities and other cosmopolitan areas across Ghana”, it asserted.
The proliferated use of arms and ammunition by civilians and by both sides of the Bawku conflict according to the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations makes the situation in Bawku very precarious and volatile.
The Coalition of CSOs concerned about the Bawku conflict unequivocally condemns all violent attacks by any party to the conflict.
And to effect, the Coalition of CSOs is calling on all parties to the Bawku conflict to a ceasefire, lay down their arms, and resort to dialogue to resolve the conflict and any matters arising.
Secondly, in the interest of the people of Bawku and Ghana, they are calling on the leaders of both sides of the conflict and other stakeholders and parties not to use force and violence, especially the youth of both sides to calm down and use dialogue rather than violence. This, they believe will ensure that lives and properties are saved and protected.
To strengthen and deepen the above, the Coalition of CSOs is also calling for the establishment of an independent mediation committee to lead and support existing efforts to bring peace to the area.
“We believe that such a committee will provide the national leadership needed to address this conflict and therefore wish to call on the President of the Republic of Ghana. HE, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to establish this committee as soon as possible”.
To that effect, urged the government in the short term, to designate one of the ministries in charge of security to the Bawku conflict to present a more coordinated front as well as harmonize the government’s efforts at addressing the issue.
In addition, encourages the government to ensure a strong security presence in Bawku to ward off criminal elements that may want to take advantage of the situation to cause mayhem.
And also should institute a program to rid the area of illicit weapons which fuel the conflict through the Ghana police and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
They also called on those who are directly or indirectly sponsoring this conflict to desist from investing in this venture that is destroying lives and communities rather than developing them.
To ensure efficiency and active participation of all stakeholders, the Coalition of CSOs urged the government to support the work of civil society, including religious and community-based youth and women’s groups, in their peace-building efforts and also in their efforts to build and re-build trust among the people of Bawku, especially in the peace-building processes.
The media, both new and traditional, were also called upon to be circumspect in their reportage and desist from reports that rather escalate the conflict.
Therefore urged the National Media Commission and various media houses train their journalists and personnel in conflict reporting.
The CSOs through the release called on the government and especially state institutions mandated to deal with migrants and displaced people to step up their humanitarian response to the situation in and around Bawku to avert further suffering inflicted on the population of the area.
And on a long-term basis, “we call on Government to prioritize Bawku and other conflict-prone areas of Ghana in the industrialization agenda of the country to minimize the vulnerability of those communities.
The release finally appealed to the factions involved in the Bawku conflict to give in to peaceful mediation, hence calling on all other stakeholders, such as the traditional leaders, faith groups, youth groups, media natives and non-natives, political party groups, and the international community, to support the process of peacebuilding for the sake of collective peaceful existence in Bawku and the peace of Ghana.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations comprises of Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP-Ghana) Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, NORSAAC, Widows and Orphans Movement Ghana (WOM), Centre for Youth and Child Crisis Intervention (Cyccris Intervention), Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research – ISSAPR, National Network of Youth Group and Muslim Family Counselling Services.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
