The Upper East Regional Peace Council has expressed profound sadness over the resurgence of violence in Bawku, warning that the situation threatens peace, security, and livelihoods in the region.
In a press release issued on October 28, 2024, Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, highlighted the Council’s disappointment, particularly given recent efforts to foster peace and the period of calm that had lasted much of the year.
*“This is especially disappointing after many fruitful engagements by all stakeholders and a period of calm for most of the year, which led to the easing of the curfew and the peaceful celebration of the Damba festival,”* Alhaji Issaka noted.
However, the relative peace unraveled on October 24, 2024, as incidents of violence erupted, resulting in tragic loss of lives and heightened insecurity across Bawku.
The impact of these events has extended to the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway, causing widespread fear among residents and travelers alike.
The Peace Council acknowledged the ongoing efforts of security services and the resilience of the people of Bawku in managing the situation. The Council called on all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to principles of nonviolence and work collaboratively to restore stability.
Alhaji Issaka emphasized that sustaining peace is crucial to the social and economic well-being of Bawku’s residents, many of whom have struggled under the ongoing instability.
In its call to action, the Council urged security forces to act decisively and proactively in safeguarding the region’s residents and travelers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway.
*“We call on all residents of Bawku to support law enforcement agencies in implementing actions that will help ease the tension and allow people to pursue their livelihoods more predictably,”* the Council appealed, stressing that community cooperation is vital for a long-term resolution.
The timing of this unrest is particularly concerning, with the final quarter of the year marking the approach of critical national events, including the general elections and local festivals such as Samanpiid and Buud Yelle.
The Peace Council implored all parties to recognize that violence not only exacerbates the hardships of Bawku’s people but also serves as an ineffective solution to their grievances.
The Council’s message underscored the potential for a repeating cycle of violence and insecurity unless peaceful, nonviolent approaches are prioritized to address the root issues.
The Upper East Regional Peace Council closed its statement with a reminder of the importance of collective efforts to maintain peace, urging all stakeholders to come together to create a climate of stability and safety in the region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
