The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is optimistic that peace and harmony could return to Bawku. He has since given the assurance that he would work towards bringing harmony to the Mamprusis and Kusasis.
“I believe with every bone in my body that it is possible to have peace and harmony between Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku, and I will work towards that. We have to work towards it. It is possible,” he stated.
The Vice President was addressing the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and his elders, during a visit to Bawku yesterday, where he urged Mamprusis and Kusasis to cease killing themselves.
According to him, the killing of one another would not solve the chieftaincy issue persisting in the area.
Dr. Bawumia said the Constitution had clearly stated the process in resolving such issues, which must be followed.
“Your Majesty, let me be clear that the constitution of the Republic of Ghana has set out very clear guidelines for the resolution of chieftaincy disputes. This is through the House of Chiefs and ultimately the Supreme Court,” he said.
“Fighting and killing each other can never resolve it. And I should also state that under the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, no government can impose or use force to settle a chieftaincy dispute,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
The Vice President remarked that ending the violence in Bawku was a way to address the conflict that has ravaged the town.
He emphasised that the conflict has wrecked so much havoc in the community, coupled with resources being wasted that could be channelled to develop the communities.
EMBRACE PEACE
The flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr. Bawumia, expressed concern over the situation and urged the two groups, which he described as the same, to embrace peace and live in harmony for sustainable development.
“As a son of the North, I am very pained by the conflict that we have in Bawku between Kusasis and Mamprusis over chieftaincy,” Dr. Bawumia said.
POVERTY
The Vice President said the conflict has led to needless loss of life and disrupted economic activity and development in Bawku.
He opined that there could not be any success in the quest to eradicate poverty and bring development to the people in an atmosphere of conflict.
He said the people should rather fight for jobs, education, healthcare and roads than fight with each other.
“The problem our people face is poverty and underdevelopment. As president, Insha Allah, I will contribute immensely to uplift our people from poverty and underdevelopment,” he said.
The Bawku Naba commended Dr. Bawumia for the visit, saying his visit demonstrates that he is truly a unifier.
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by a powerful government delegation, including the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, Chieftaincy, Religion and Culture Minister Steven Asamoah Boateng, National Chairman of the NPP, Steven Ayensu Ntim and several MPs from the northern part of the country.
BACKGROUND
The chieftaincy dispute dates back to the colonial era, but what triggered it recently was the installation of the Overlord of Mamprugu, as the new Bawku Naba, despite government recognising Naba AsigriAbugragoAzoka II, as a legitimate ruler.
The installation of the new chief by the Nayiri, who is the kingmaker for Bawku, Mamprugu and other parts of northeast Ghana, showed disregard for the current Bawku chief.
This has led to tension escalating in the region, leading to the death of some community members.
The government issued a statement to condemn the installation of the new chief for Bawku.
Authorities declared the new chief illegal and announced that anyone who holds himself as chief, other than the recognised Bawku Overlord, Naba AsigriAbugragoAzoka II, will face the law.
