President of the Kusaug Peoples Congress, Prof. John Azumah, has pushed back against suggestions that the Asantehene can single-handedly resolve the long-standing Bawku conflict.
In an interview with ABC News GH, he insisted that the real solution lies in strict enforcement of the rule of law and the removal of political interference, which he believes continues to fuel tensions in the area.
According to him, no declaration by any chief, including the Asantehene, can resolve the situation unless the rule of law is firmly applied.
Prof. Azumah accused successive governments of complicity in the conflict’s persistence.
He stated bluntly that “the president is either not sincere or incompetent in addressing the conflict,” adding that “the NDC manipulated the conflict for political gains, but it has worsened under their regime.”
His remarks come amid fresh violence linked to the conflict, including the recent shooting of the Kusasi Chief and the death of a man at Asawase in the Ashanti Region.
In the past week, the conflict has taken a darker turn, with reports of student casualties believed to be linked to the unrest.
Two students from Bawku SHS were reportedly shot on campus Saturday evening, while a third student at Nalerigu SHS was allegedly drugged and shot dead.
In response, the government has imposed a strict 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew on Nalerigu and its environs, and all students have been evacuated from both schools to ensure their safety.
