President Akufo-Addo has urged feuding factions in the Bawku crisis to work in harmony in bringing peace to the area.
Addressing Bawku Naaba and his delegation at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday 25th January 2022, President Akufo-Addo said the area can only develop when there is peace.
“Let me warmly welcome you to the seat of government, Jubilee House and to say that I’m happy that Bawku Naaba and his elders were able to honor my invitation to come and talk to me about what has been going on in Bawku recently,” he noted.
President Akufo-Addo also mentioned the Supreme Court ruling on the Bawku Chieftaincy issues.
“You know that ever since I became President and took the oath of office my major concern is to enforce the oath to uphold laws and Constitution of Ghana, including decisions of the Supreme Court of our country.
“I am hopeful that the Bawku Naaba would cooperate with the government to bring peace to the area. The money we spend on security in Bawku to bring peace, these monies could be used to develop the place. So I ask him here so that we could find a way, all of us to work towards bringing peace to Bawku. That is why I ask him to come and I am grateful that he made time to come,” President Akufo-Addo told the delegation.
Background
The Upper East regional Coordinating Council has banned the use of motorbikes in Bawku.
The move is part of sweeping actions being taken by the security council to instill peace in the area following renewed clashes.
The action affects both male and female riders. It however excludes tricycles.
On January 10,2021, the regional security council banned pillion from the area. Pillion is a seat for a passenger behind a motorcyclist. The ban however does not include women riders picking fellow women on their bikes.
On Sunday evening four people were reported to have been shot dead in the renewed shootings.
According to a source, the shooting which allegedly started in the morning of Sunday, January 23, was first heard around the central business area of the town which has been embroiled in sporadic shootings since November 2021.
