Restoring peace to Bawku non-negotiable

The recent disturbances in the Bawku enclave are alarming, especially after years of relative peace.

On October 27, 2024, unidentified gunmen attacked travellers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, killing 16 people and setting two vehicles ablaze. The incident has heightened security concerns and disrupted economic activities in the area.

To address the unrest, the government imposed a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew on Bawku and its environs on Monday, October 28.

The latest clashes were as a result of the return of a rival chief to the area.

The conflict has severe consequences on the local economy, restricting movement and trading activities.

The suspension of political campaigns by three parliamentary candidates within the six constituencies of the Bawku enclave in the Upper East Region as a result of the renewed crisis a few weeks to national elections to choose a President and Members of Parliament, highlights the gravity of the situation.

Conflicts retard growth, waste potential human resources and disrupt societal functions.

In addition to the curfew on Bawku and its environs, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, called on factions to lay down their arms. 

Conflicts can seriously disturb the function of society, as such the safety of residents and other people in the area must be of priority to all stakeholders. It is thus apt that consequently, the government has committed to ensuring safety and security, directing security agencies to enforce the curfew and maintain law and order.

To restore normalcy, we urge residents to comply with the directives and cooperate with the security agencies.

They should continue to maintain the trust in the government to impartially and in a firm manner build and maintain peace in the area.

We say this because we are aware that in situations such as this, the people may have some mistrust for the government.

The Ghana Police Service and Ghana Armed Forces must work tirelessly to bring the security situation under control by ensuring impartiality and avoiding protection of one group over another.

With elections approaching, security personnel must prioritise the restoration of peace to enable citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

The Daily Graphic is gladdened that the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have assured the public of working to bring the security situation in Bawku, its surrounding areas and channel along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway under control.

We urge them not to relent until total peace is restored to the area. It is also a call to them not to sleep on the job as the government does everything possible to ensure the safety and security of residents.

The security agencies must not be seen to be either protecting one group or seeking the interest of another.

With this year’s elections around the corner, security personnel deployed to the area must restore normalcy as quickly as possible so that the people can exercise their democratic rights in selecting their representatives and the President of the Republic.

We appeal to all sides to stop the blame game, stop playing politics with the issue and allow dialogue and the legal processes to resolve any differences. The factions must lay down their arms and end the killings of their fellow kinsmen.

But in all these the Daily Graphic would want to see that the perpetrators of such dastardly acts are brought to book to serve as a deterrent to people with such malicious intentions.

The Bawku conflict is not insurmountable. Collective efforts can restore peace and normalcy, ensuring the area's vibrant economic life and development thrive once more.