Former Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has
urged political actors in Ghana to distance themselves from the Bawku conflict
and allow room for a united, apolitical solution to the long-standing unrest.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, April 12, 2025, the former
Member of Parliament for Sekondi emphasized that the fragile situation in Bawku
cannot be resolved if political interests continue to interfere with
peace-building efforts.
Egyapa Mercer expressed deep concern about how certain politicians allegedly
exploit the crisis to push their own agendas. He described this practice as
highly damaging, especially in a region where tensions are already high. He
cautioned that turning the conflict into a political tool could worsen the
existing security challenges and urged leaders to prioritize the collective
interest over personal or party gains.
According to him, the issue in Bawku is one that deserves national attention
and a unified response. He said political leaders should take their hands off
the matter and work together across party lines to find lasting solutions. His
comments reflect a growing call from various stakeholders for a more neutral
and sensitive approach in addressing the decades-old conflict.
Egyapa Mercer specifically pointed to former President John Dramani Mahama,
claiming that Mahama allegedly used the conflict for campaign messaging during
the 2024 general elections. Though Mercer admitted that he does not have full
knowledge of the history behind the crisis, he insisted that every effort to
resolve it should rise above party politics.
He stressed that Ghana cannot afford to allow the Bawku situation to be
manipulated for political gain, especially when the consequences could be dire
for national stability. By encouraging all parties to remove political
considerations from the conflict, Mercer’s remarks add to growing appeals for a
more sincere and solution-focused national dialogue on Bawku.
The former minister also mentioned that he finds it troubling whenever
critical national issues are politicized, especially those involving peace and
security. He expressed hope that Ghanaian leaders would resist the temptation
to use the Bawku issue as a campaign tool and instead work collaboratively to
ensure that peace returns to the area through genuine efforts and
understanding.
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