Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Zebilla Constituency, has announced the suspension of his campaign in light of escalating tensions and renewed conflicts in Bawku.
The decision aims to prioritize the restoration of peace and security in Bawku, where recurrent clashes have led to the loss of lives and property and have increasingly threatened stability in the area.
Dr. Krugu urged the government to act decisively in addressing the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for a prompt and effective response to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents in Bawku and the surrounding areas.
He expressed concern that failure to intervene could have dire consequences, underscoring his commitment to taking additional measures if necessary.
“Should the government fail to act on time, I will take further appropriate steps to protect life and property in the Kusaug Traditional Area (KTA),” he stated, stressing his resolve to uphold the safety of his constituents.
In a message to the people of Bawku, Dr. Krugu called for calm and restraint amidst provocations, urging residents not to retaliate or escalate the situation further.
“I call on the good people of Kusaug to remain calm despite acts of provocation,” he stated. His appeal aligns with his commitment to peace and reflects a cautious approach to handling the volatile situation.
Dr. Krugu also recalled a statement from the government on February 15, 2023, addressing earlier tensions in Bawku.
He urged the government to stand by its commitment and enforce the laws of Ghana, ensuring that all parties involved comply.
The parliamentary candidate’s call highlights the longstanding need for effective governance and conflict resolution in the area, where unresolved issues have continued to fuel hostilities.
Find full statement here:
For Immediate Release – Dated 25th October 2024
Concerning Developments on Bawku Crisis: Suspension of Campaigning
1. Since last night, I have been deeply concerned about recent developments that could reignite the Bawku crisis and the entire Kusaug Traditional Area (KTA).
2. In February of last year, the Nayiri purportedly enskinned Alhaji Seidu Abagre as a rival Bawku Naba. This act, swiftly condemned by the government as illegitimate and a threat to national security, aggravated the volatile situation in Bawku and its environs. The government’s immediate and unequivocal response was a testament to its commitment to maintaining peace in the region and providing a sense of security to the people.
3. In a statement condemning the purported enskinment issued on February 15, 2023, the government reiterated that the current Bawku Naba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, was the duly recognized Chief of Bawku. This recognition, gazetted by both the Upper East Regional House and the National House of Chiefs, serves as a pillar of stability in the region, keeping the public well-informed.
4. In the same statement, the government directed the security agencies to arrest and prosecute any person claiming to be Bawku Naba, adding that any further developments threatening the peace of the area would be swiftly dealt with.
5. Subsequently, a High Court in Bolgatanga issued an arrest warrant for Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who remained in Nalerigu after his purported enskinment, ostensibly seeking cover under the Nayiri to avoid arrest. Attempts to enforce the court warrant were resisted at the Nayiri’s palace.
6. Following the government’s decisions, including the issuance of a court arrest warrant and other concerted efforts by the government and other stakeholders, peace has gradually returned to the KTA. These efforts, including the direction to security agencies to arrest and prosecute any person claiming to be Bawku Naba, demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the area.
7. The arrest warrant issued by the High Court in Bolgatanga was challenged at the Court of Appeal in Tamale. However, quite curiously, the Office of the Attorney General submitted a written defense. The Court of Appeal recently ruled to overturn the High Court’s decision.
8. The Office of the Attorney General had filed an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision but, in yet another twist, announced that it had abandoned its intention to appeal further.
9. I have reliable information indicating that Alhaji Seidu Abagre has returned to Bawku. Tensions are already building, potentially reigniting the crisis in the area.
10. I view these recent developments as provocations that could have severe consequences for the peace of Bawku and the KTA.
11. I would like to emphasize that the right to self-determination is non-negotiable and that the people of Kusaug are determined to ensure their dignity and cultural heritage are always protected.
12. I am, by this release, calling on the government to issue a directive to the security agencies to arrest and prosecute Alhaji Seidu Abagre should he or his associates insinuate in any way that he holds himself out as Bawku Naba.
13. Should the government fail to act on time, I will take further appropriate steps to protect life and property in the KTA. I am calling on the government to fulfill the commitment made in its February 15, 2023, statement, when provocations began, and to enforce Ghana’s laws, ensuring compliance by all.
14. In the interim, I have suspended my campaign and all party activities in the Zebilla Constituency until the government takes decisive action on the ongoing provocations and potential threats to peace and security being instigated by Alhaji Seidu Abagre and his accomplices.
15. While we take steps to demand and ensure respect for the rule of law and the enforcement of Ghana’s laws by the government, I call on the good people of Kusaug to remain calm despite the acts of provocation.
**Signed,**
Dr. John Kingsley Krugu,
Parliamentary Candidate,
Zebilla Constituency
*Contact: 0205485387*
**CC:**
The Presidential Candidate, NPP
The General Secretary, NPP
The Regional Chairman, NPP
The Constituency Chairman, Zebilla Constituency
