Otumfuo’s committee must succeed for lasting peace in Bawku

For some time now, Bawku has been in the news—grabbing headlines in both local and international media.

Ordinarily, this should have been good news for all Ghanaians, as it is not often that people get their issues splashed on the front pages of major dailies and news portals.

However, this is not the case with Bawku as it continues to occupy headlines for the wrong reasons.

It has been reported that more than 300 lives, including security personnel deployed to the area to maintain peace, have been lost over the past three or so months due to the escalation of the Bawku conflict that has been raging for some time now in the area.

The conflict has become a recurring phenomenon, and available records indicate that it is perhaps one of the longest-standing chieftaincy disputes that remains unresolved in the country’s history.

Unlike other chieftaincy conflicts where the protagonists are mostly from the same family or ethnic group—making them intra-ethnic conflicts—the Bawku case is different. It is an inter-ethnic chieftaincy conflict, which has the potential to consume an entire generation if care is not taken.

Conflict is said to arise when there is a clash of interest either within oneself or between groups, which is a natural part of human existence and daily life. While some argue that conflict, as a natural human occurrence, is not necessarily bad, it becomes dangerous when it degenerates into violence. Violent conflict not only erodes peace and stability, but also destroys lives and property, and rebuilding process becomes extremely difficult.

It is for this reason that the long-standing Bawku conflict remains a matter of grave concern to all well-meaning Ghanaians.

The prolonged conflict has turned a once-vibrant trade hub in the Upper East Region into a near-desolate.

What is even more alarming is the potential for the Bawku conflict to spread to neighbouring communities that are not originally involved, even though they have ethnic ties with the people of Bawku.

Violent incidents recorded in areas like Binduri, Garu, and even Walewale in the North East Region gives credence to this fear.

This is the second editorial by The Ghanaian Times within just four weeks dedicated to the Bawku conflict, aimed at stressing the urgent need for a lasting resolution.

It is in this spirit that we commend the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II-led eminent committee for kick-starting a mediation process, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the conflict, yesterday.

The meeting, expected to last for a week, will be chaired and supervised by Otumfuo himself. We believe the committee is not just the right path to resolving the conflict, but a timely and noble intervention to save lives.

The Ghanaian Times views this initiative as a godly mission to save humanity, and, therefore, encourage the eminent committee to stay to their mandate. More importantly our Mamprusi and Kusasi brothers and sisters should approach the dialogue with open minds.

After all in mediation, there are no winners or losers, and all parties must understand that a broken pot is of no use, regardless of who finally acquires it.

Bawku, must end the conflict to bounce back as an important economic hub of the country.

The paper also urges government to provide the necessary administrative and logistical support to the committee, to be able to carry out its work effectively.

The Ghanaian Times appeals to individuals and organisations, to throw their weight behind the Bawku peace initiative, and the media should avoid sensational reportage on the committee’s work.  

Ghana cannot succeed while Bawku remains in turmoil!