Tag Archives: Bawku

News, Politics

Ayariga exposes Gh¢18m quarterly payments to National security for Bawku crisis while people remain neglected

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The Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga is questioning the monthly allocation of a whopping Gh¢6m every month to the National Security Minister, to maintain peace and order in Bawku.

Mahama Ayariga who was speaking on Woezor TV’s Morning Update programme at Bolgatanga on Sunday, August 4, 2024 dared the National Security Minister to deny.

“As the people of Bawku are grappling with insecurity. I can tell you on authority, because I have the evidence. that the National Security Minister receives a cheque for 6million cedis every month while the people are suffering, sleeping in curfew ” – he noted with concern

According to him, the Nana Akufo Addo – Bawumia government is simply exploiting the crisis with such huge payments.

“They created this problem largely as a result of the misrepresentations and today our people are grappling with curfew” he added

The high level of deprivation, lack of basic amenities and the increasing poverty levels over the years is becoming unbearable. Can you imagine what these monies. at least 1m cedis could have done to improve lives if it had been paid directly to District Assemblies “ he quizzed

News

Parliament must intervene in Bawku conflict – Binduri MP

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Abdulai Abanga, the Member of Parliament for Binduri, has called on Parliament to intervene and bring lasting peace to troubled Bawku.

Unknown gunmen fired into a group of people at the community centre on Wednesday, January 17, resulting in the death of two persons, while four others were injured.

Five persons were also ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen on their way from Bawku to Binduri on Monday, January 22.

Abdulai Abanga proposed in an interview on Citi News that Parliament and other relevant stakeholders act as mediators to ensure peace prevails.

Abdulai Abanga, MP for Binduri

He also called on residents to make conscious efforts to restore calm so that developmental projects in the area can continue and be completed.

“What Parliament can do for now to help the situation is to assist with mediation because the situation we have is that people are trying to retaliate against others for killing their relatives. For me, that will never end the conflict. So, we need the leadership of Parliament and well-meaning Ghanaians to come and talk to the young ones to unite because, if you look at the nature of the area, we are all related in one way or another.

“We need to understand that it is important for us to live in peace so that we can enjoy development because we have serious developmental issues over here. If we don’t stop it, funds will either be diverted to providing security, or even contractors and other people will withdraw from the area. We will suffer in the end because we have a lot of challenges.

 

Source: Citinewsroom.com

News, Topstory

John Mahama reacts to death of 3 in Bawku

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Former President John Mahama says he is saddened by the news of the death of three people in Bawku amid a rise in tensions.

This comes after the Ghana Armed Forces revealed that the men engaged in a gunfight with their troops leading to the death of the three while one other escaped.

In a statement on Facebook, the former President acknowledged the challenges the military faces while trying to secure peace in Bawku.

However, he believes that “the military must work hand in hand with the police to provide safety and security in the Bawku municipality and across the nation.”

“As a former Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, I urge the military personnel to remember their duty to protect the people and uphold the peace,” he added.

John Mahama also called on residents in Bawku to endeavour to promote and consolidate peace to enable the positive development of the municipality of Bawku.

This comes after the GAF refuted claims by Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, that they shot and killed innocent men.

The MP, on Newsfile, said that “eyewitnesses saw everything that happened. These boys were not exchanging fire with anybody; they were actually apprehended. They were sitting [when the soldiers approached]; one ran away, but the others were sitting because they had done nothing wrong.”

“They picked them up; the assemblyman came out and pleaded for them to release the boys. They refused, and ultimately they shot the boys,” he said.

But, in a press release, they admitted to their officers shooting three men but it was in self-defence after they were shot at.

The GAF noted that “troops retrieved one AK-47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition. Ghana Police team arrived at the location subsequently to convey the deceased assailants to the morgue.”

“The AK-47 rifle with serial number 81-1/13024074 inspected by Bawku Divisional Police personnel is currently in their own custody,” parts of the statement read.

The GAF cautioned against directly engaging the military in a gunfight. They stated that it could result in fatal consequences.

“Troops will spare no opportunity to defend themselves as well as protect residents of Bawku,” they added.

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

News, Politics

Bawumia urges Bawku factions to embrace peace and resolve conflict

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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on a visit to Bawku on December 12, 2023, called for an immediate end to the conflict between Mamprusis and Kusasis.

Addressing the Bawkunaba and elders, he emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution through the established legal channels.

“The constitution offers a clear path to resolve chieftaincy disputes,” Dr. Bawumia stated. “Fighting and bloodshed will only perpetuate the suffering. The Constitution and the House of Chiefs, culminating in the Supreme Court, are the designated avenues for addressing these disagreements.”

He highlighted the detrimental impact of the conflict on the community and its development, expressing his pain as a son of the North. He emphasized the shared history and cultural similarities between the two groups, underscoring the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

“We are fundamentally one people. We have intermarried for generations, our languages are intertwined. I firmly believe that peace and harmony are achievable in Bawku, and I will actively work towards that goal. We must choose peace over conflict.”

Dr. Bawumia emphasized the urgent need for development and a shift in focus towards improving the lives of Bawku’s residents. He pledged his commitment to uplifting the community from poverty and underdevelopment, but stressed that peace is a prerequisite for progress.

“Our youth need jobs, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. We should be fighting for these advancements, not against each other. The enemy we face is poverty and underdevelopment, not each other.”

The Bawkunaba commended Dr. Bawumia’s visit, acknowledging it as a symbol of unity and hope.

The Vice President was accompanied by a government delegation, including the Interior Minister, Chieftaincy Minister, NPP Chairman, and several MPs from the north.

 

Source: Graphic.com