The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has clarified that the protracted Bawku conflict was still active when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed power, contrary to claims suggesting otherwise.
According to him, the NDC government under President John Mahama inherited the conflict in its active phase and has since been working to bring it under control.
“When the NDC came to power, the Bawku conflict was not dormant. It was still in an active mood, and the President and his government have been trying their best to bring it down,” the minister explained.
He stressed in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem that the situation was not escalating under Mahama’s administration, as some people have suggested. Instead, efforts are being made to ensure lasting peace.
“President Mahama was simply telling the people that he would do his best to find a lasting solution to the conflict. He has already begun taking steps toward that goal,” he added.
Mr. Atanga also disclosed the role of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in the peace efforts, describing him as a neutral figure whose involvement is expected to help resolve the crisis.
“That’s why Otumfuo has been tasked to step in and tap into his conflict resolution experience to bring lasting peace to Bawku,” he said.
His comments come in response to claims that the Bawku conflict tends to flare up under both NDC and NPP administrations.
Touching on the recent killing of two police officers at Poyamirea, a community near Binduri in the Upper East Region, the minister clarified that the officers were not part of any security operation in Bawku.
“They were not policemen operating around the Bawku area. The two officers were stationed at Bongo and not posted to the conflict zone,” he explained.
Mr. Atanga further dismissed suggestions that the attack was carried out by youth targeting the police.
“It’s not like the youth went around attacking police officers. The officers came from Bongo into the area and were unfortunately shot. They were not assigned there, and we don’t yet understand why the shooting happened,” he noted.
He urged the public to remain patient as investigations continue, revealing that initial arrests had been made but none had been sustained.
“Negotiations are still ongoing, and we hope that things will cool down. Otumfuo’s team are also working to help resolve the matter,” he said.
Mr. Atanga assured residents of the region that security personnel are on the ground not only to maintain law and order but also to support the mediation process led by the Asantehene.
“There is currently a bit of calm in the area, and we are hopeful that with Otumfuo’s involvement, a lasting resolution will be found,” he concluded.
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