By Patrick Biddah
The Chiefs and Queenmothers of Kusaug descent in the Greater Accra and Central regions, have indicated that there would have been more violence in Bawku, If not for the admonishing of the Overlord, His Royal Eminence Zugran Abugrago Asigr iAzoka II, who is the Bawku Naba.
The chiefs, said the Overload has always asked his subjects, particularly the youth to remain vigilant and law abiding, despite provocations.
Speaking at a joint press conference at their palace at Abossey Okai in Accra on Wednesday March 22, 2023 , the Central region Kusasi Chief, Alhaji Apam Nuhu, indicated that the Overload, has preached patience and asked his people to be committed to peace.
“ But for his extraordinary patience and commitment to peace, the conflict in Bawku would have escalated to unimaginable and genocidal levels”, he revealed.
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He said, the unending spate of violence allegedly being fueled by the other ethnic group, has led to deaths of dozens of people and the destruction of property and has brought certain services and life within Bawku township to a complete halt
While, condemning this acts of violence and commending government and the security agencies for their efforts, he called on the authorities to double their efforts at binging lasting peace to Bawku.
Alhaji Nuhu, who was flanked by other Kusaug chiefs at the presser, made some demands .
Firstly , he said there is the need to speed up investigations into the brutal murder of unarmed civilians by elements of the military in Bawku , explaining that it is critical for the peace of Bawku
“ We, hereby pledge our support to the petition to CHRAJ by the Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central constituency and call upon CHRAJ to conduct their investigations speedily, professionally and comprehensively. May we be reminded of the popular maxim that justice delayed is justice denied “, he emphasized.
In addition, he urged the authorities to ensure the return to post of the Bolgatanga High Court Judge, His Lordship Justice Alexander Graham, who was threatened and had to abandon post.
Justice Graham , he pointed out is known to be honest and brave judge who is impartial in his judgements and must be brought back to continue to administer justice.
He further expressed disappointment at the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defense and Interior for their recently aborted scheduled visit to Bawku, citing security concerns.
“ This attitude further sends a dangerous and worrisome signal to the people of Bawku If the security personnel stationed at Bawku cannot guarantee the safety of an august group like the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defense for one day , how and why should the people of Bawku have confidence in the same security personnel “ , he asked.
The conflicts which started small between the two groups in Bawku in the 1950s has gradually extended to neighboring towns , according to the chief .
He therefore expressed the fear of it spreading to other parts of the country In view of the fact that the conflict zone is now widened to engulf the whole of the Kusaug Traditional area in Upper East region and the Mamprusi Traditional Area in the Northern region as at 2021.
“ We are therefore calling on the government not to waiver in enforcing the rule of law “, he stressed.
