The Bawku conflict, a long-standing ethnic and political strife, has been a persistent challenge in Ghana’s Upper East Region.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed has eulogized the efforts of President John Dramani Mahama to address this protracted issue.
His remarks offer a comprehensive look at the strategies being employed to foster peace in Bawku.
One of the key steps taken by President Mahama to promote peace in Bawku was his decision to appoint a neutral regional minister. He highlighted;
“If President Mahama had appointed, for example, a Mamprusi man as the regional minister for Upper East or a Kusasi man as regional minister for Upper East, there would have been some concerns. But he appointed someone who is entirely different, who neither belongs to this feuding, if you like, tribes in the matter of Bawku. And for me, that is a signal.”
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
According to him, this appointment demonstrates a commitment to impartiality, which is crucial in mediating the conflict and ensuring that all parties feel represented fairly. He added;
“The fact that his first visit after he was sworn in, outside Accra means that it is so dear to him. Someone who grew up in the north; before we had the creation of regions, they were all northern region, and this was the time President Mahama was given birth to in that region.”
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
This visit is not just symbolic; it reflects a deep personal and political commitment to addressing the challenges in Bawku.
Hon. Murtala Muhammed stressed the importance of political neutrality in resolving the Bawku conflict. He pointed out;
“There is a profound political intrusion in the conflicts in almost all chieftaincy conflicts we have in the northern part of the country. You can trace the Dagbon crisis to the pre-colonial era, the first republic, the second republic, the third, and perhaps the fourth republic.”
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
The MP emphasized that real peace can only be achieved when the political elite refrains from interfering in such conflicts.
The Economic Impact of the Bawku Conflict
He emphasized that the prolonged conflict in Bawku has had severe economic repercussions, turning a once-thriving commercial hub into a ghost town.
The economic stagnation is a direct result of the instability, further highlighting the need for a sustainable resolution to the conflict. He added;
“The fact that President Mahama has an outstanding relationship with the president or the military leader of Burkina Faso, for me, it is a huge contributory factor in ensuring that we have peace. If you know the ethnic dynamics of the people in Bawku vis-à-vis those who live in Burkina Faso, they trace their roots to one great grandfather.”
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
This cross-border ethnic connection is critical, as it allows for a collaborative approach to peacebuilding.
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed’s commentary provided a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted approach President John Dramani Mahama is employing to resolve the Bawku conflict.
From strategic appointments and symbolic visits to emphasizing political neutrality and leveraging international relationships, these efforts signify a genuine commitment to finding a lasting solution to one of Ghana’s most enduring conflicts.
The ultimate goal remains peace and stability for the people of Bawku, a goal that requires collective effort and sustained commitment.
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