Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged Mamprusis and Kusasis involved in the chieftaincy dispute in Bawku to cease hostilities and forge together in unity for sustainable development in the area.
The two factions 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.
Dr. Bawumia visited the town on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 to meet with chiefs and people of the area, and his message centred on the need for the feuding factions to come together because 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,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“This conflict has led to needless loss of lives and disrupted economic activity and development in Bawku. It is really sad,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“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. It is possible,” the 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,” he said.
“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 stressed.
Dr. Bawumia called for the use of “due process” for addressing chieftaincy issues, as stated in the 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,” he pointed out.
‘Father and Son’
The Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has likened Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s relationship with him over the years to that of a father and son, a description Dr. Bawumia also acknowledged.
Welcoming the Vice President to his palace in Bawku yesterday, the Bawku Naba recalled how over 10 years ago, Dr. Bawumia visited his palace and informed him of his selection as running mate to then candidate Akufo-Addo.
With Dr. Bawumia back to his palace, this time to inform him of his election as flagbearer of the NPP, the Bawku Naba revealed how the Vice President has maintained a very cordial relationship with him and also showed commitment to his people’s welfare.
“Over a decade ago when you were selected as a running mate, you visited this palace to inform me about it. I am not surprised you are here today because you kept a very close cordial and friendly relationship ever since,” the Bawku Naba disclosed.
He also eulogised Dr. Bawumia for his positive traits, which he said are “good traits for leadership.”
“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 added.
During their discussions, the Bawku Naba expressed worry over the Bawku conflict, which he said, is having devastating effect on the community.
He appealed to the Vice President, who also expressed concern about the situation, to help bring lasting peace to the people.
“It is my belief that you have what it takes to bring this conflict to an end, to help save lives and property,” he stated.
A Daily Guide Report