MY RESPONSE TO THE UPPER EAST REGIONAL PEACE COUNCIL
I have noted with profound disappointment the biased tone of the Upper East Regional Peace Council's recent press release addressing the situation in Bawku. While their concerns and sentiments are acknowledged, the lack of balance in their approach undermines the gravity of the issues at hand.
It is disheartening to witness the resurgence of violence in Bawku after a period of relative calm that allowed for the easing of curfews and the peaceful celebration of cultural festivals like Damba. These moments of unity and cultural pride, shared by the descendants of Na Gbewaa, offered a glimpse of what is possible when peace prevails.
As a native of Bawku and a committed stakeholder in its peace and development, I join the Peace Council in appealing to all parties to renounce violence and protect the fragile peace we have worked hard to build. Violence not only deepens the suffering of our people but also threatens the progress we have made in rebuilding trust and stability in the region.
However, achieving sustainable peace in Bawku requires a balanced and inclusive approach. In this regard, I emphasize the following key points:
Strengthening Security Measures:
The Regional Peace Council must urge security agencies to intensify their presence across all critical routes in the Bawku Traditional Area. Attention must not be confined to the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway. Routes such as Bawku-Bolgatanga and Bawku-Pulmakoam-Cinkansi are equally vital and require increased security to ensure the safety of residents and travelers.
Impartiality and Professionalism:
Both the security forces and the Regional Peace Council must demonstrate impartiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity in addressing the complexities of the area. This will help rebuild public confidence in their capacity to mediate effectively and foster peace among all factions.
Condemnation of Criminal Activities:
The Council must take a firm stand against criminal incidents, such as the recent burning of a passenger vehicle near Bawku Secondary School. This tragic act targeted students traveling to Bolgatanga and is a stark reminder of the need for decisive action and unequivocal condemnation of such attacks.
Call for Responsible Political Rhetoric:
As we approach the general elections, the Council should proactively engage political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and threats. Politicians must be reminded of their duty to prioritize peace and foster harmony among all groups. Their conduct should reflect a commitment to unity and the shared goal of reconciliation.
Finally, while I echo the Peace Council's assertion that violence is never a solution, I call for greater accountability and inclusivity in their approach to mediation. Achieving lasting peace in Bawku demands collective efforts from all stakeholders, grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development.
As a native of Bawku and an advocate for nonviolence, I reaffirm my readiness to support initiatives that promote peace, stability, and progress in our community. Together, we can ensure that peace triumphs over violence and that the people of Bawku can look forward to a brighter future.
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