The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has appealed to the Catholic Church, through the Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, to play a lead role in helping to mediate and resolve the long-standing Bawku conflict.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Bishop, Mr. Akamugri emphasized the critical role religious institutions can play in fostering peace in conflict-prone areas. He acknowledged the trust and moral authority the Church holds among the people, including members of the feuding factions in Bawku, noting that religious leaders often have a better chance of being heard and respected than politicians.
“You permeate the societies, those warring factions, or those who are in disagreement — they belong [to the Church]. You cut across all of them,” the Minister said. “So, once you cut across all of them, we hope that the Catholic Church will put a hand in it, because when you are talking to people belonging to different groupings or the warring factions, they listen to you better than anybody.”
Mr. Akamugri added that while political leaders are often misinterpreted or accused of seeking political advantage when they speak on sensitive issues, religious leaders are seen as neutral, making them better suited to lead peace-building initiatives.
The Bawku conflict, which has simmered for decades, stems from a chieftaincy dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups. It has led to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and widespread insecurity, stalling development in the area.
Mr. Akamugri also noted the unique position of the Catholic Diocese, which spans both the Upper East and North East regions, the home regions of the two major factions in the conflict.
“Fortunately, I am happy that our Lordship just mentioned here that the Bolgatanga Diocese covers the two regions. So, this conflict is not a conflict in one region. It is more or less an inter-regional conflict,” he stated.
“You have the Upper Eastners who are under you. You have the North Easterners who are under you. And here is the case that the conflict is more or less between some groupings in these two regions. So you stand in a very critical and well-positioned place to be able to help.”
He concluded by making a passionate plea: “I want to use this platform to plead that the Catholic Church should use your authority within these two regions to see how you can help us to resolve this matter.”
The call by the Regional Minister follows renewed violence in Bawku in recent weeks, which has prompted heightened security measures, including curfews. Stakeholders continue to express concern over the protracted nature of the conflict and the need for sustainable peacebuilding efforts.
Bishop Alfred Agyenta, in response, reiterated the Church’s commitment to peace and assured the Minister that the Church is willing to collaborate with the government and all stakeholders to bring lasting peace to the area.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
