President John Mahama has condemned the renewed violence in Bawku and expressed confidence in the Asantehene’s mediation process to bring lasting peace.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring peace and investigating all allegations of criminality.
His remarks follow a violent clash between security forces and some youth in Bawku on Thursday, April 10, which reportedly resulted in casualties and injuries.
The private residence of the area’s Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, was also allegedly set ablaze during the unrest.
“The Ghana Armed Forces is engaged in several threats to maintain peace and security in our nation. One major flash point is the Bawku area. Only two days ago, a situation that took place in the market triggered an unfortunate loss of life and criminal vandalism of property. I wish to emphasize that nobody gains from this conflict and insecurities.”
“We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process, which has all the stakeholders to ensure a roadmap towards peace. I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will resume next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad,” President Mahama said at the Graduation Parade of the Ghana Military Academy.
Adding that, “We will take all allegations of crime seriously and trigger our security service investigation machinery to go after criminals, no matter who they are. But let me state emphatically also that we do not have the resources and time to engage in any game of smoke and mirrors.”