John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has raised significant concerns about the disruption of peace during the administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This is particularly related to a renewed chieftaincy conflict in Bawku. The long-standing dispute has intensified with the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile, leading to the loss of at least two lives and several injuries.
Speaking to supporters in Saboba on Monday, October 28, as part of his Northern regional campaign, Mahama urged all factions involved to exercise restraint and avoid any form of violent provocation. He emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the conflict. Mahama also pledged his commitment to restoring total peace in Bawku if elected in the upcoming elections.
“Without peace, there cannot be progress, unfortunately, any time the peace of Ghana will be disturbed, it is the NPP government that is in power. Recently, I have been hearing some things happening in Bawku that appear to be threatening to disturb the peace there.
“I will just appeal to the people of Bawku area and all those who are stakeholders in what is happening there to exercise patience and exercise restraint. We know that some sinister hands are trying to stoke the fires of ethnic conflict.
“They should not allow themselves to be provoked into violence. And so, please the people of the Bawku area, I’m begging you, pleading with you to remain calm, be restrained, and don’t resort to conflict. NDC is coming and when we come, we will make sure that there’s peace in Bawku and surrounding areas.
“The most dangerous person to avoid is a person who says one thing and does another thing, the most dangerous person is someone who says something today and says something tomorrow. The most dangerous person is someone you cannot trust.”
By: Fauzu Masawudu
