The Chairman of the Kusaung Heritage Defenders, Ahmed Isshaq Ndebuari, has strongly condemned the recent attack on a convoy of Mamprusi natives being escorted by the military from Bolgatanga to Bawku, but he did not spare the military either, accusing them of acting unprofessionally and fueling tensions.
Speaking exclusively to ABC News Gh, Ndebuari acknowledged the wrong in the attack that reportedly led to the deaths of some military personnel and civilians, but stated that the military’s retaliatory actions were excessive, brutal, and unacceptable.
“Although I condemn any unlawful attack on a convoy, even if people are angry, the military must remain professional,” he said.
According to Ndebuari, the military went on a rampage after the incident, beating, shooting, and intimidating innocent Kusasis.
“They even went to pull down the statue of the Bawku Overlord and tried to burn it. Are they telling us our Overlord is not the chief of Bawku? This is not just provocative; it is a declaration of war,” he fumed.
He emphasized that the Kusasi people are extremely angry and disappointed in the government for what he describes as blatant neglect of justice and equity in the conflict.
He called on the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Interior, and President John Mahama to live up to their campaign promises of restoring peace in Bawku. “When they were campaigning, they promised peace, but since they came, things have turned from bad to worse,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Upper East town, with government institutions reportedly closed as a protest by Kusasi youth demanding justice and restoration of their chief’s statue.
Ndebuari issued a stern warning: “This must be the last time any military officer raises a finger, let alone a gun, on any Kusasi.”
