The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned a smear campaign against him on social media, asserting that such distractions will not undermine his commitment to peace in Bawku. His comments come in response to recent violent clashes between the police and local youth in the troubled area, which reportedly included an attempt to set fire to his private residence. In a press statement released on Friday, 11 April, the Majority Leader, currently on an official assignment abroad, expressed concern over the escalating situation in his constituency.
“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth regarding the slow resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug, as well as the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers,” he stated. He also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and extended sympathy to the injured. Reaffirming his support for the ongoing peace process, Ayariga urged the residents of Bawku and Kusaug to remain committed to the mediation efforts led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
He noted that both the Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Overlord of Kusaug, and the Nayiri Naa Bɔhagu Mahami Sheriga, the Overlord of Mamprugu, are actively participating in the peace dialogue.
“I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug that I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana,” he added. He urged the public to disregard politically motivated falsehoods and stressed that no amount of defamation would derail his focus. “The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated.”
By: Ernest K. Arhinful
