Stephen Asamoah Boateng
The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has urged stakeholders, particularly political leaders, to desist from accusing each other of playing a role in escalating the Bawku conflict, which resurfaced weeks ago.
The government, through the Interior Ministry, in a statement issued on Monday, October 28, imposed a curfew in Bawku following renewed disturbances in the area following the return of Seidu Abagre, who was enskinned as Bawku Naba in February 2023.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Accra in the wake of the conflict in the area, Mr. Asamoah Boateng said such accusations and commentaries made against each other in any conflict resolution do not only inflame passions for renewed conflict, but also escalates the situation.
He, however, indicated that despite some of these negative utterances, the government will continue to engage all the factions and stakeholders, including political leaders and work with them to resolve the Bawku conflict.
“I will employ all sides to stop the conspiracy theory making rounds. They should stop the blame game and keep calm to allow government to deal with the security and the chieftaincy issue thereof. No one should play politics with this sensitive matter. I want to assure all sides that the trust you have in myself as the minister responsible for chieftaincy matters and with the government must be maintained,” he said.
“Government, through my ministry and that of my colleagues and institutions, will keep listening 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 parts of the country,” he added.
The minister also called on all traditional leaders in the area to refrain from engaging in acts that have the tendency to escalate the situation, and collaborate with government to maintain law and order at all times given the role of government in resolving the situation.
While commending the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his support and residents for their roles in resolving the conflict, he also appealed to the youth to restrain themselves from reacting to provocative attacks on them in order not to undermine discussions by stakeholders to bring lasting peace to the area.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng further stated that although the curfew imposed on residents was part of measures to restore peace in the area after 16 people were reportedly killed, it will be removed after an assessment by the security agencies, for them to embark on their activities.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah