The Bolgatanga Traditional Council, joined by queen mothers, assembly members, and youth leaders, has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in Bawku, which has again claimed innocent lives, including those of residents in Bolgatanga.
In a meeting held at the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs on November 1, 2024, the council appealed to the conflicting factions to cease hostilities and allow peace to prevail.
“It is worrying to see the situation in Bawku escalating to other parts of the region, where innocent souls are being killed for no reason whatsoever. The Bolgatanga Traditional Council strongly states that both factions of the conflict should desist from killing innocent people who are not part of the conflict.”
“We would like to further emphasize that the road leading to Walewale is a Trans-ECOWAS road for people to travel and therefore should not be turned into a conduit for the killing of innocent people who have nothing to do with the conflict.”
The council emphasized that if the senseless killings continue, they will have no choice but to ask those responsible to leave the area. The statement concludes with a heartfelt plea: “We want you to stop killing our people.”
The Bolgatanga Traditional Council has called on Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and the government to reconsider the recent closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region.
The decision to shut down these courts on October 29, 2024, was prompted by escalating security concerns raised by court staff and judges in light of the intensifying conflict in Bawku.
Chief Justice Torkornoo justified the closures, emphasizing the priority of safeguarding judicial personnel and maintaining the integrity of the justice system in areas affected by the unrest.
The Traditional Council, however, has expressed concern over the potential impact on access to justice in the region, urging authorities to find alternative solutions to protect staff while keeping the courts operational.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | David Azure | Bolgatanga
