Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has called for calm and unity among residents of Bawku, urging them to refrain from politicizing the escalating conflict in the area.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, October 29, the minister emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining peace in Bawku, which has been plagued by ongoing violence and unrest, particularly due to unresolved chieftaincy and ethnic disputes.
He however stressed his outfits activeness to curtailing the Bawku issue.
“In a way i sense a level of mistrust since last weeks. But i want to assure that the trust you have had in me as your Minister responsible for Chieftaincy matters and with the government would be maintained.”
“I employ all sides to stop the conspiracy theories going round, the blame games and keep calm to allow government to deal with the security and the chieftaincy issue.”
“No one should play politics with this sensitive matter.”
“I will continue to engage my colleague in the political arena from all sides to work with government, and to work towards lasting peace in the area,” he said.
He also called on the Traditional Leaders from both sides to refrain from any act that will escalate the situation.”
‘I wish to call on all sides to lay down their arms and cease firing at each other,” he added.
The Minister’s message comes amidst heightened security concerns in the area, following a tragic incident on Sunday, October 27, when gunmen attacked travellers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, a community close to Walewale.
The recent surge in violence, triggered by the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile, has led to deadly clashes in the area, with the government aiming to curb further unrest.
The situation in Bawku took a violent turn after Abagre’s arrival, with tensions boiling over and resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 20 lives by Tuesday morning.
The violence has included incidents such as an ambush on travelers, contributing to widespread fear and unrest among residents.
“The presence of Alhaji Seidu Abagre in Bawku continues to pose a serious threat to public peace and safety,” the Ministry of Interior wrote in a statement released on Monday, October 28.
Security forces have been deployed to enforce the curfew, with officials warning that anyone found violating it will face legal repercussions.
