4 days ago
The United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador, Bishop Samuel Ben Owusu, has urged Ghanaians to pray for guidance and wisdom for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as he intervenes in the Bawku conflict. Bishop Owusu emphasized that the Bawku issue, if not handled carefully, could have severe consequences for Ghana, and it is essential for the nation to rally behind the Asantehene to find a lasting solution.
During an interview with Onua News in Accra, Bishop Owusu suggested that the Asantehene could invite both parties, the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General, and lawyers to assemble all the evidence before him. This approach would ensure that the Bawku issue is resolved not only traditionally but also legally and politically. He noted that the Bawku issue is both political and traditional, and politicians should be mindful of their utterances.
Bishop Owusu expressed concern about a comment made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding paying special attention to the youth in Bawku during police recruitment. He believed that such comments should have been kept private and could potentially escalate the situation. The UN Eminent Peace Ambassador warned that the Bawku issue is sitting on a time bomb, especially given its proximity to Burkina Faso, where insurgency is rampant.
The Bishop praised President Mahama for appointing Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene in the conflict but criticized him for a comment made during a campaign tour, suggesting he sided with one faction. He believed that this comment could jeopardize the outcome of the Asantehene's mediation and suggested that President Mahama retract and apologize.
In addition to the Bawku conflict, Bishop Owusu discussed other pressing issues in Ghana, including illegal mining and drug abuse among the youth. He attributed the persistence of illegal mining to a lack of political will, stating that politicians are often involved in the activity and are not committed to stopping it. He suggested that increasing cocoa prices could help fight illegal mining, as farmers would be less likely to give out their lands for galamsey.
Regarding drug abuse, Bishop Owusu emphasized that it is a national security threat and that the government must take decisive action to address the issue. He suggested creating a special unit within the Police Service to arrest offenders and establishing computer training centers for youth to provide them with alternative opportunities.
Bishop Owusu also spoke about the rising indiscipline and violence in schools, attributing it to parental neglect. He believed that parents are responsible for the values and behavior of their children and that the government must formulate policies on parenting and child upbringing. He cited China as an example, where children receive a well-rounded education that includes cultural and scientific training.
In conclusion, Bishop Samuel Ben Owusu's call for prayer and wisdom in the Bawku conflict resolution is a timely reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts and promoting sustainable peace. The Ghanaian government and citizens must work together to address the pressing issues of illegal mining, drug abuse, and indiscipline in schools to ensure a brighter future for the country.
Key Points:
- Bishop Samuel Ben Owusu calls for prayer and wisdom for the Asantehene in Bawku conflict resolution
- The Bawku issue is both political and traditional, and politicians should be mindful of their utterances
- The government must take decisive action to address illegal mining and drug abuse among the youth
- Parental neglect is responsible for the rising indiscipline and violence in schools
- The government must formulate policies on parenting and child upbringing to promote positive values
- Ghana can learn from China's approach to education, which includes cultural and scientific training.
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