Professor John Azumah, President of the Kusaug People’s Congress, has called on key political leaders, including Mahama Ayariga and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to take a leading role in ensuring lasting peace in Bawku following recent mediation efforts.
Speaking in an interview on ABC In The Morning, Prof. Azumah said he was deliberately placing the “burden of reconciliation” on the two prominent figures because of their influence and ability to rally support for peace across political and traditional divides.
“I will put the reconciliation burden on Mahama Ayariga and Dr. Bawumia,” he stated, stressing that sustainable peace in Bawku requires collective responsibility and sincere leadership beyond rhetoric.
Reflecting on the impact of the protracted conflict, Prof. Azumah lamented the decline of Bawku, which he described as once being “the most vibrant commercially productive town in the whole of the Upper Region.”
According to him, years of violence have disrupted economic activities, displaced residents and undermined the town’s potential as a major commercial hub.
Prof. Azumah welcomed the intervention of the Asantehene in the peace process, describing it as a significant step toward restoring calm. “Asantehene has spoken, we want peace in the area,” he said, adding that the mediation has raised hopes among residents for an end to the violence.
Addressing the root causes of the conflict, he attributed its persistence partly to the proliferation of illegal weapons. “The conflict was fueled by illicit arms market,” he noted, arguing that the availability of weapons has escalated tensions and made violence more deadly.
He also pointed to weak enforcement of existing laws as a major challenge. “The problem has been law enforcement,” Prof. Azumah said, calling on state authorities to apply the law firmly and impartially to deter further violence and restore confidence in the justice system.
Expressing optimism about the future, Prof. Azumah appealed to all parties to accept the outcome of the ongoing mediation process in the interest of peace. “My hope is that our Mamprusi cousins and friends will accept this outcome,” he said, stressing that reconciliation and mutual respect are essential for rebuilding trust and reviving Bawku’s economic and social life.
