Renewed chieftaincy dispute: Stop politicising Bawku conflict …Asamoah Boateng admonishes politicians

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The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, yesterday cautioned politicians and Ghanaians in general to refrain from politicising the on-going conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region.

He emphasised that exploiting the conflict for political gains would only lead to further bloodshed of the innocent, rather than resolving the issue.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Minister noted that the interpretations that was being given by the factions in the conflict only sought to inflame passions and designed to escalate the situation.

“My colleagues and institutions should 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,” he said.

He called on all factions to end the conspiracy theories and blame-shifting games and remain calm to allow the government to address the security and chieftaincy matters at hand.

“No one should play politics with this sensitive matter. I will continue to engage my colleagues in the political arena, from all sides, to work with government to resolve the current problems and work towards lasting peace in the area,” the Minister emphasised.

The Minister further called on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, along with other prominent traditional rulers to mediate in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict in the region.

He asked traditional leaders from both sides of the conflict to refrain from acts that could escalate the situation in the area, assuring that security agencies were actively on the ground to manage the situation, while the mediation delegation was also preparing to facilitate discussions between the two traditional leaders vying for the Bawku throne.

“Moving forward, our focus is on daily operations and behind-the-scenes efforts to build consensus. Regarding the arrest warrant, I will advocate for its justification to the government,” he disclosed.

The Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister said his outfit was committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the people of Bawku and its environs were assured.

In the meantime, he noted that the security agencies have been directed to enforce strictly the curfew and maintain law and order in the area.

Mr Asamoah Boateng therefore, urged residents to comply with the directive and co-operate fully with the security agencies to restore peace and normalcy.

The Bawku chieftaincy conflict recently flared up again after a period of relative calm in the area.

The renewed chieftaincy clash in Bawku of the Upper East Region, has left at least 20 people dead while other victims suffered serious gunshot wounds.

The area is currently under a 12-hour curfew.

BY EMMANUELLA AKIMBI