The Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II has expressed confidence in Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to bring finality to the Bawku conflict and bring lasting peace between Kusasis and Mamprusis in the area.
“As the senior-most northern figure in this government, your voice will be able to unite the people and bring an end to the conflict.
“I have a firm belief that if you become President, you will want to preside over a peaceful nation and a peaceful Kusaug Traditional Area that will support your vision for development.
“It is my belief that that you have what it takes to bring this conflict to an end to help save lives and property. I have keenly observed your progress in politics and you have demonstrated humility, respect, calmness, unity and genuine commitment to people which are good traits for leadership,” the Bawku Naba told Dr. Bawumia.
He expressed his optimism when the Vice President visited him at his Palace in Bawku yesterday as part of efforts to broker peace and unity among the two feuding factions Bawku.
“This is a task I am assigning you and I have no doubt that you can and will successfully deliver this to the glory of Kusaug and Mamprugu in particular, and Ghana as a whole,” Bawku Naba reiterated.
He expressed his profound gratitude to Vice Bawumia for his visit to Bawku, which he said was pleasant news.
In response, Vice President Bawumia thanked the Bawku Naba for his kind words and reiterated the call for peace and urged both Mamprusis and Kusasis to ceasefire and unite for lasting peace and development to take place.
He groups involved in the chieftaincy dispute in Bawku to cease hostilities and forge together in unity for sustainable development in the area.
The two ethnic groups have been involved in a chieftaincy dispute that has caused the loss of lives and property, as well as disruption of economic and social activities.
Calling on the feuding factions to come together, Dr. Bawumia said they are “fundamentally the same people.”
“As a son of the North, I am very pained by the conflict that we have in Bawku between Kusasis and Mamprusis over Chieftaincy.
“This conflict has led to needless loss of lives and disrupted economic activity and development in Bawku. It is really sad.
“Fundamentally, we are really one people. We have intermarried over the years and our languages are very similar. I believe with every bone in my body that, it is possible to have peace and harmony between Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku and I will work towards that. We have to work towards. It is possible,” Vice President added.
Dr. Bawumia pointed out that the conflict has stalled development in the area, and urged all to come together and rather fight issues affecting the youth, rather than fight each other.
“The problem our people face is poverty and underdevelopment. As president, In shaa Allah, I will contribute immensely to uplifting our people from poverty and underdevelopment,” Vice President Bawumia pledged.
He said there can only be development when there is peace and unity among the people.
“We cannot, however, be successful in our quest to eradicate poverty and bring development to our people in an atmosphere of conflict. We need peace for development.
“Our youth need jobs, we need education, we need healthcare, we need roads. We should be fighting for the needs of our youth and not fight with each other,” Dr. Bawumia added.
Chieftaincy issue
On the Chieftaincy issue, the Vice President called for “due process” in addressing chieftaincy matters as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
“Let me be clear that the constitution of the Republic of Ghana has set out very clear guidelines for the resolution of chieftaincy disputes. This is through the House of Chiefs and ultimately the Supreme Court.
“Fighting and killing each other can never resolve a chieftaincy dispute. And I should also state that under the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, no government can impose or use force to settle a Chieftaincy dispute. As President, In Shaa Allah, I shall respect the constitution and ensure the state of Ghana is peaceful and secure,” Dr. Bawumia stated.