The MP for Zebilla East Constituency, Hon. Cletus Avoka, has Slammed the government over inaction despite the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy dispute, condemning what he perceived as the government’s failure to manage the crisis effectively.
He provided detailed insights into the conflict and its impact on residents of Bawku, highlighting issues of legality, the imposition of curfews, and restrictions on local customs.
According to Hon. Avoka, these actions have severely affected the quality of life in Bawku and surrounding areas.
Hon. Avoka began his statement by asserting the illegality of Abagre’s claim to chieftaincy in Bawku.
“The act was an illegality, and therefore, he cannot rival the Bawku Naba and therefore, he cannot be in Bawku as a chief.”
Hon. Cletus Avoka MP for Zebilla East Constituency
Hon. Avoka criticized the government for tolerating Abagre’s actions, suggesting that political interests were undermining constitutional processes.
He questioned why the government had allowed Abagre to challenge the authority of the Bawku Naba, causing disruptions in the community and sowing division among the people of Bawku.
Imposing Curfews: A Temporary Measure Misused?
Hon. Avoka discussed the implications of the prolonged curfew in Bawku, stressing that curfews are meant to be temporary tools to restore order quickly, not extended solutions for years.
“Government imposes curfew so that they can take control of the situation within a week or two or a month or thereabout. Not for a year, two years, three years, and four years.”
Hon. Cletus Avoka MP for Zebilla East Constituency
He highlighted the inconvenience faced by residents due to the restrictions. Initially, the curfew ran from 10 PM to 6 AM but was later changed to 6 PM to 6 AM, which he described as a “backward” shift.
According to Hon. Avoka, the curfew has only served to control movement without addressing the underlying problems, thus “dehumanizing“ the people of Bawku.
The Impact of Social Restrictions: A Community Disrupted
Hon. Avoka painted a vivid picture of how social customs have been altered or suppressed due to security concerns.
He lamented that residents in Bawku could no longer wear traditional smocks or even ride motorcycles, the main form of transportation in rural areas.
“People in Bawku don’t wear smocks, because national security said if they wear smocks they have the weapon. for four years we don’t wear smacks in Bawku even the chiefs, when they are going to the paramount chief in Bawku. They have to wear a t-shirt or a singlet, I mean, a [non-traditional] dress.”
Hon. Cletus Avoka MP for Zebilla East Constituency
Hon. Avoka noted, describing the humiliation this restriction has inflicted on his community.
These measures, according to Hon. Avoka, have had economic and social repercussions. Teachers, farmers, and workers who relied on motorcycles for daily commutes have been forced to find alternative, often costly, forms of transportation. He lamented; For four years, nobody [has been riding] a motorcycle in Bawku municipality.”
Accusations of Political Interference and Government Negligence
Hon. Avoka expressed strong disappointment with the current administration, accusing them of inaction and leniency towards law-breaking due to political allegiances.
“You have a government in place that, because of one person, everybody is been humiliated and dehumanized.”
Hon. Cletus Avoka MP for Zebilla East Constituency
Hon. Avoka urged the Vice President to address the situation publicly, warning that his failure to do so would harm his presidential ambitions.
According to him, Dr. Bawumia has not opened his mouth one day to appeal to his kinsmen, to say, and yet he wants to become president?”
The Legal Proceedings and the Government’s Withdrawal
A major point of contention, according to Hon. Avoka, is the government’s inconsistent approach to legal proceedings involving Abagre.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians are told by the government statement that there’s a vacation by the Court of Appeal with respect to the warrant for his arrest and the district court should have imposed the warrant.
Despite filing an appeal at the Supreme Court, the government eventually discontinued the case.
Hon. Avoka accused the Attorney General of failing to follow through with the proper legal processes, arguing that they could have sought another warrant through the District Court, as directed by the Court of Appeal.
Implications for 2024 Elections: A Divisive Atmosphere
Hon. Avoka concluded his statement by stressing the potential implications of this unresolved conflict in the upcoming elections.
He voiced concerns that the Bawku Naba’s supporters may be disinclined to vote for the ruling party due to perceived neglect and favoritism.
“With five weeks to the elections, this is a very grave matter,” Hon. Avoka said, emphasizing the critical nature of the conflict as election day approaches.
He urged the government to take swift and definitive actions, warning that the conflict could escalate further if left unchecked.
Hon. Avoka asserted that no region or ethnic group should feel subjugated or sidelined within the state.
“No matter how backward you are, do you need an Akan or Northerner to be Ga Manse? do they need someone to come from somewhere to rule [them]? No matter how primitive a people are, do they need someone from another place to rule [them]?
Hon. Cletus Avoka MP for Zebilla East Constituency
Hon. Cletus Avoka’s address highlighted both the ongoing challenges in Bawku and the urgent need for effective governance and legal adherence in resolving chieftaincy disputes across Ghana. His words capture the frustration of a community and the risk of further division ahead of a critical election year.
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