The Executive Secretary of the National Interest Movement, Susan
Adu-Amankwah, has voiced concerns over the use of military force as a means of
restoring peace in Bawku. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on April 12,
2025, she emphasized that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through
enforcement but rather through dialogue, inclusiveness, and a deep
understanding of the root causes of the conflict.
Addressing the ethnic tension between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku,
Adu-Amankwah stressed the need for both groups to see the value in peaceful
coexistence. According to her, peace is not a sudden event, but a continuous
process that demands effort, patience, and genuine commitment from all sides.
She expressed confidence that with time, the people of Bawku would recognize
that there is much to gain by choosing peace over conflict.
She criticized previous efforts that attempted to force integration,
describing them as counterproductive. Citing a recent incident, she recounted
how Mamprusi women were reportedly bussed into the market under a policy of
forced integration, which allegedly led to a scuffle that escalated after a
youth leader was shot by a police officer. She maintained that such approaches
only deepen mistrust and do not tackle the core issues behind the unrest.
Adu-Amankwah argued that peace cannot be imposed through military presence
alone. For her, peace represents more than the absence of violence; it embodies
justice, harmony, and mutual understanding. She said deploying security forces
may suppress conflict temporarily, but it does not guarantee genuine peace or
reconciliation.
She also welcomed the involvement of the Asantehene in efforts to mediate
the situation, stating that his deep cultural insight and national respect
position him well to facilitate lasting dialogue. However, she cautioned the
public against expecting instant results, noting that resolving the crisis
would require dedication and time.
In her remarks, she called on the youth of Bawku to remain calm and resist
any provocation, emphasizing that they stand to lose the most if tensions
escalate. Adu-Amankwah also highlighted the economic burden the conflict places
on the nation, pointing out the high cost of continuous military deployment and
the stalling of development in the area due to instability.
Her appeal serves as a reminder that the road to peace is through inclusion,
justice, and understanding, not force.
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