The General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of contributing to the worsening ethnic tensions in Bawku.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 29, Mr. Kodua described the current state of unrest in the area as “an unprecedented crisis” and alleged that the NDC had deliberately stoked tribal sentiments leading up to the 2024 elections.
According to Mr. Kodua, then-presidential candidate John Mahama attempted to capitalize on the instability in Bawku for electoral advantage.
“The then candidate Mahama made several pronouncements and wanted to take advantage of the crisis in Bawku by accusing the then government, led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, that when the NDC comes to power, the Bawku crisis would be resolved,” he stated.
He further alleged that actions taken by the NDC ahead of the elections were indicative of a deliberate attempt to inflame tribal tensions.
Despite the accusations, Mr. Kodua emphasized the NPP’s commitment to national unity and peace in the troubled region.
“For the sake of our democracy, for the sake of people’s lives that matter, we are ever ready to assist the government in finding a lasting solution in Bawku,” he said. He urged the current administration to put aside political interests and treat the crisis as a matter of national importance, stating, “We are calling on the NDC government to treat this matter as a matter of national interest and shield away their political tendencies and interest.”
