The Northern Development Forum (NDF), a non-partisan organisation that brings together people from the five Northern Regions of Ghana to promote peace and development in the north, has called for peace in Bawku.
In a statement issued and shared with The Chronicle, under the signatory of Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd.), the Chairman of NDF, he expressed worry over recurring cataclysm in the border town, which has resulted in the deaths of innocent citizens in Bawku.
It has subsequently asked all and sundry to embrace peace and called for de-escalation by smoking the peace pipe.
In a clarion call for peace in Bawku, Don-Chebe (Rtd) appealed: “Brothers and sisters, put the guns and swords aside and let us join hands to make our communities better places for our future generations.”
Additionally, it also implored northern compatriots to assess the repercussions of the unrest on the development of the area.
“The NDF once again wishes to admonish our Northern compatriots to reflect deeply on the consequences of the resort to violence to resolve matters arising from minor ethnic, traditional, and cultural differences.
In an assertion calling for tolerance and peaceful coexistence, Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd.) asked that people of the north cherish the richness and diversity of their cultures and histories.
This, according to him, indicates that their cultural and historical diversities are an invitation for mutual respect, cooperation, learning, and sharing of our unique identities, adding that these differences should never provide any grounds for power struggles and domineering.
The statement further indicated the people of Bawku and its environs have witnessed untold suffering in the years gone by, adding that there are no signs that this carnage will end anytime soon because the acts of provocation and impunity appear to be intensifying by the day.
“We are much appalled that scarce resources have to be diverted from promoting livelihoods and development to the endless security and so-called mediation efforts. Citizens of Northern Ghana are completely dismayed and traumatised by the intensity of the recent clashes and call upon the government to exercise its authority to sanitise the Bawku area for peace to prevail.
The NDF Chairman noted that they are greatly concerned by the seeming absence of discernible government strategy and programme aimed at removing the agent provocateurs in the Bawku area.
In an assertion calling for northerners to wake up from their slumber to save the situation themselves. Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd.) called for synergy to confront the challenge.
“Unless we, the people of Northern Ghana, unite in one accord in the pursuit of peace and development, we will dissipate our energies and resources in never-ending conflicts founded upon dubious historical narratives that have no relevance for the accelerated development of our communities as we so desire.
