Dr. Hassan Ayariga, the All People’s Congress (APC) presidential candidate for the upcoming December elections, has announced that the party’s campaign trail will commence in Accra, then move to the Ashanti Region, and finally culminate in the Upper East Region.
Ayariga emphasized that the APC considers it crucial to seek the blessing and endorsement of the Bawku Overlord, whom he referred to as his father, to legitimize their campaign and his candidacy, highlighting the significance of traditional authority in their political journey.
This follows Dr. Ayariga’s visit to the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities in Bawku, Upper East region, over the weekend, where he appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony as the APC launched its campaign, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful political process.
“And then afterward, we will then start the main campaign. At least we’ve been to the community [and] we have launched the campaign. We’ve visited so many markets, we’ve visited various tribes including the Busangas, the Mamprusis, and all other tribes in Bawku. I have walked in the market for more than two hours, visiting communities where many people are afraid to go in”.
Dr. Hassan Ayariga
Dr. Ayariga reiterated the importance of peace to the various communities, emphasizing that as a native son and presidential aspirant, he is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Bawku area, which he believes is detrimental to the region’s well-being and his own political ambitions.
He encouraged the people of Bawku to dedicate their efforts to praying for his successful presidency, which he promised would bring development and progress to the community, rather than perpetuating conflict that only serves to hinder growth and progress.
Dr. Ayariga lamented that the prolonged conflict in the Bawku communities has led to exorbitant prices of essential goods and services, exacerbating the already dire economic situation, characterized by scarce job opportunities and rampant poverty.
“Prices of food are more expensive than in Accra, and you ask yourself, how are these people surviving in the state where they have war?” – Dr. Hassan Ayariga
Ayariga Vows To Revitalize Bawku
Moreover, Dr. Hassan Ayariga emphasized that Bawku requires a comprehensive array of development initiatives to bridge the gap and bring it on par with its peers, fostering economic growth, social progress, and improved living standards for its inhabitants.
As a native son of Bawku, Dr. Ayariga expressed his deep disappointment and sadness when he visits his hometown, expecting to see signs of progress and growth, but instead finding abandoned homes and deserted communities, a stark contrast to his vision for the region’s prosperity.
“Meanwhile… Bawku has two borders, Togo and then Burkina Faso. You can imagine the kind of development that can come to that community. So I have promised them that when elected as the President of the Republic of Ghana, I will transform Bawku into one of the finest cities in Africa. Especially, where we can have an airport there. It is very easy to have an airport in Bawku”.
Dr. Hassan Ayariga
He also pointed out that having a local airport in Bawku would greatly enhance connectivity, eliminating the need to travel to Tamale for flights, and thereby saving time, increasing convenience, and boosting economic opportunities for the region.
Dr. Ayariga highlighted the glaring development gaps in Bawku, particularly the absence of a university, and questioned how Bawku can hope to develop its human capital and compete in the modern economy without access to quality higher education and the necessary institutions to support it.
“The markets are down, the hospitals are all down and nothing is working properly in Bawku besides the security agencies”. – Dr. Hassan Ayariga
Dr. Ayariga emphasized to the people of Bawku that peace and stability are the vital foundations upon which development and progress can be built, and urged them to prioritize harmony and unity to create an environment conducive to growth and prosperity.
He noted that “from the Kusasi side, I think I’ve been able to convince them much, but from the Mamprusi side, is where I’m trying my best to get them to understand that where there is no peace, there is no development”.
