Bawku: Govt imposes curfew to control unrest

The government has called on all the people in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict to lay down their arms and cease firing at one another. 

The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, who made the call, reiterated the government’s commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the residents of Bawku and its environs.

Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, Mr. Asamoah Boateng said security agencies had been directed to enforce the curfew strictly and maintain law and order.

He added that the government was guided by its responsibility to protect lives and property and, above all, to enforce law and order to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

“Residents are, therefore, urged to comply with the directive and to cooperate fully with the security agencies to restore peace and normalcy in the area,” the minister appealed.

Shooting incidents
His appeal comes in the wake of heightened security concerns in the area following a deadly gunfire attack on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Unidentified gunmen opened fire on travellers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, close to Walewale.

In the tragic incident, a number of people were killed while two vehicles were set ablaze, escalating public fear and increasing calls for government intervention. In all, 16 people have been confirmed dead.

To address the unrest, the government imposed a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew on Bawku and its environs on Monday, October 28.

The latest clashes were as a result of the return of a rival chief to the area.

The new developments have brought the once vibrant economic hub to its knees as traders and residents are unable to carry out their activities with ease.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have assured the public that they are working to bring the security situation in Bawku, its surrounding areas, and the channel along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway under control.

A statement issued last Monday said aside from the military deployment in Bawku and its environs, there was a joint police and military deployment along the Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale highway to ensure security and to manage vehicular traffic.

Trust
Mr. Asamoah Boateng said some level of mistrust had crept in among the people in Bawku since last week but appealed to all sides that they should continue to maintain trust in the government and the Minister responsible for the Chieftaincy.

“Government, through my Ministry and that of my colleagues and institutions, will listen to you and act with impartiality and in a firm manner to build and maintain peace in Bawku and its environs, as well as any other part of the country,” the minister stated. 

No conspiracy theories
He, therefore, appealed to all sides to stop the conspiracy theories, blame games, and keep calm to allow the government to deal with the security and chieftaincy matters.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng also advised all the sides not to “play politics with this sensitive matter,” adding that he would continue to engage his colleagues in the political arena from all sides to work with the government to resolve the current challenges and work towards lasting peace in the area.

The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs also called on the traditional leaders from both sides to refrain from acts that would escalate the situation.

Passionate appeal
“To my brothers and sisters in the Bawku area and wherever you find yourself, please reach out to your neighbour, bridge the divides that separate you, and build a future where peace reigns supreme.”

“You have lived together peacefully in the past, intermarried, and produced children of parentage from all sides. Take a step back from these seemingly provocative happenings and show exceptional love to yourselves, for you are one people as we are all one people in the country working hard to better our lives,” Mr. Asamoah Boateng appealed. 

Personalities
He stated that the government had requested Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to take sole responsibility in terms of negotiating and bringing the whole issue to an amicable solution, a request the Asantehene had been executing excellently.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng said the Asantehene had constantly been interacting with the factions at Manhyia and that things were going down well until the latest mishap.

The minister expressed the confidence that the Asantehene, who was on top of the issue, would continue to help in bringing about lasting peace in the area.

Appreciation
While commending the Asantehene for his invaluable behind-the-scenes role, Mr. Asamoah Boateng also thanked the Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom, the Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai, and the Bawku Naba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azorka II, for their cooperation so far.

He also expressed gratitude to the youth from all sides and urged them to continue to restrain themselves and avoid any provocative acts that would jeopardise the efforts by all.

Source: Graphic Online