33 days to election: Bawku killing reach 21, driver shot, car burnt

One person has been reportedly shot dead in Bawku in the Upper East Region and his car burnt to ashes renewing fresh tension in the already conflict-ridden neighborhood.

This brings the death toll to 21 although locals say the number could be more

The latest victim of murder is said to be a Bolga-Bawku commercial driver known as Maadi, He was said to have been attacked on his way to Bolgatanga.

The Bawku conflict, primarily rooted in chieftaincy disputes and ethnic tensions, has led to a renewed unrest in the area.

The situation recently escalated following the installation  of a rival chief, which ignited tensions between different ethnic groups in the area.

The situation has escalated in recent months, with clashes between various groups resulting in fatalities and widespread fear among residents.

There are fears that conflict could break out in pockets across the country where person from the ethnic groups at war may be residing in same communities.

Meanwhile government has deployed security forces to handle the situation.

AYARIGA

Hassan Ayariga presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), has urged government to tackle the escalating conflict with a sense of urgency.

Hassan Ayariga made the call when speaking at the launch of the National Peace Campaign, on Saturday, November 3:

“Today, I can’t sleep because Bawku is at war. As I speak to you now, gunshots are everywhere. Peace is expensive but war is more expensive. Burkina Faso is at war, we can’t go there, Togo is not as peaceful as we think. The neighbouring country is the sea, we can’t swim. I want the government to sit up, the problem in Bawku is escalating.

“The government needs to come out clearly. Bawku’s problem is not for the people of Bawku alone, it is for the whole country, the earlier we solve the problem of Bawku, the better for us. I’m pleading with you all, the media, the clergy, and everyone, to play your important role in advocating for peace to solve the Bawku problem,” Hassan Ayariga said.

BENTIL

Kofi Bentil – a lawyer and Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, on Newfile Saturday morning suggested that the government place stringent restrictions on such areas of conflict, possibly even suspending chieftaincy operations until the issues are settled.

“It is sad and unfortunately, we are playing with fire. I am aware that there were times in Agogbloshie when a fight erupted and we hear that in certain places in Accra, we have formations around these ethnic groups, God forbid but when they start firing, you’ll be surprised how terribly this can spread.

“We also hear that the guns that are being supplied are from Accra, so there is a lot underfoot. If a state of emergency will prevent the death of 21 people, do it. What is the purpose of the state? You can’t convince me that the Ghana Army is not capable of taking and holding Bawku…this is why the state exists and we have an army, just stamp authority on it” Kofi Bentil added.

ASABEE

Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng mostly known as Asabee has also cautioned against politicizing the conflict.

“Government is guided by its responsibility to protect lives and property and above all to enforce law and order to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Government will keep listening to you and act impartiality”, Asabee noted.

He continued: “To build and maintain the peace in Bawku and its environs, no one should play politics with this sensitive matter. I will continue to engage with my colleagues in the political arena from all sides to work with government to resolve the current problem and to work towards lasting peace in the area.”

The Chieftaincy Minister  also urged the traditional leaders in the area to refrain from acts that may escalate the conflict.

“I strongly call on the traditional leaders from both sides to refrain from any act that will escalate the situation.”

ASANTEHENE

In addition, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, along with other prominent chiefs, have been contacted to mediate the Bawku chieftaincy conflict in the Upper East Region.

Chieftaincy Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng stated that this move is strategic in addressing the longstanding dispute in the area.

He added that security agencies are actively managing the situation, while the mediation delegation is also prepared to facilitate discussions between the two traditional leaders vying for the Bawku throne.