Will End Bawku Chieftaincy Conflict in One Week If Elected President - Hassan Ayariga
30th October 2024
In a bold campaign promise, Hassan Ayariga, the presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), has vowed to resolve the long-standing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku within a week if elected president. The ongoing conflict, which has deeply affected communities in the Bawku area, has long been a complex issue in Ghana, involving land disputes, ethnic tensions, and political interference. Ayariga’s commitment comes as a major campaign promise, one that many see as ambitious given the multifaceted nature of the conflict.
During a recent address to the press, Ayariga expressed his concern over the devastating impact the Bawku chieftaincy conflict has had on the people of the Kusaug Region and surrounding areas. He emphasized the importance of lasting peace, stability, and security, promising that, if elected, he would give the conflict his immediate attention, with a targeted resolution timeline of just one week.
The Bawku Conflict and Its Impact
The Bawku conflict, a chieftaincy dispute between rival factions, has spanned decades and seen periods of intense violence and unrest. It has impacted education, healthcare, and the economic growth of Bawku and its neighboring communities. The long-standing dispute has not only divided the people but has also made the region vulnerable to crime and instability, prompting repeated interventions by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and other governmental bodies. As recently as October 2024, security discussions were held in Bawku by REGSEC, led by key stakeholders to seek resolutions and foster peace in the area.
Hassan Ayariga’s Promise of a Swift Solution
Hassan Ayariga’s commitment has sparked widespread conversation about whether a week’s timeframe is feasible to solve the conflict. His approach, as he outlined, involves bringing all stakeholders to the table—traditional authorities, community leaders, government officials, and security agencies—to facilitate an open dialogue and secure a consensus on the way forward.
“We need a decisive approach. I believe that with proper leadership, political will, and the cooperation of all involved parties, peace can be achieved in Bawku. My commitment is to end this conflict within my first week in office,” Ayariga declared.
He further explained that his strategy would include restoring trust among the factions, strengthening security presence temporarily to deter violence, and empowering the community to work toward lasting peace through reconciliation and development initiatives. He emphasized the need for neutrality and transparency, noting that previous attempts at resolving the issue had sometimes faltered due to perceived biases.
Responses to Ayariga’s Statement
Ayariga’s promise has been met with mixed reactions. While many in Bawku and the Kusaug Region remain hopeful that a solution could bring long-awaited stability, some view his promise with caution, noting the deep-rooted historical tensions that complicate the conflict.
Political analysts have also weighed in, suggesting that while Ayariga’s intent to focus on Bawku is commendable, a realistic timeline will require flexibility. “It’s an encouraging statement, and certainly an optimistic one. But achieving peace in Bawku may need more than a week—it may require ongoing dialogue, institutional support, and, most importantly, a community-based approach,” a local political commentator observed.
Looking Ahead
As the election season continues, Hassan Ayariga’s pledge has drawn attention to the need for urgent and meaningful intervention in the Bawku conflict. While many remain skeptical, others are optimistic about the potential for peace. Whatever the outcome, Ayariga’s statement has highlighted the need for national leaders to address local conflicts that threaten Ghana’s unity and stability.
With election day approaching, the people of the Kusaug Region will be watching closely to see whether Ayariga’s commitment resonates with the broader Ghanaian electorate and, if given the chance, whether he can indeed bring peace to Bawku within a week of assuming office.
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