BAWKU NABA MEETS THE PRESS

04-11-09 BAWKU NABA MEETS THE PRESS


Following the recent renewed crashes in the Bawku Municipality, that claimed some lives and property, the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka as a matter of clarification, has organized a press conference to inform the Ghanaian public on the latest development in the area. The Bawku Naba who condemned the recent clashes was not happy about the withdrawal of the Mamprusis from the inter-ethnic peace committee, describing it as worrisome. He emphasized that as the overlord of the area, he is particularly disturbed by the turns of events, despite the numerous interventions of peace initiatives by various state agencies and organizations. According to the Bawku Naba, the unfortunate incident occurred last Friday, when Fuseni Imoro, a Kusasi cattle dealer en route to the animal market was ambushed and shot in broad day light by some unknown gunmen. This, he said, resulted in serious gun shots between the two feuding factions of which three people had so far been confirmed dead. He said two days after the event, some gunmen suspected to be Mamprusis opened fire and killed two persons who were among relatives mourning the death of Barichesu Fuseini at Mazema, a community predominantly dominated by the Mamprusis. A similar shooting incident also took place at the funeral gathering at Azaaga. This generated intense sporadic gun shots at various locations throughout the night and continued in the next morning resulting in the recent ethnic clashes. Naba Asigri stressed that it took the combine efforts of the police and the military to bring the situation under control by 4.pm. he therefore commended the Regional Minister and the security agencies for their prompt response and professionalism and entreated them to continue their effort in restoring peace to Bawku. Naba Azoka called on the residents in the area to remain calm and adhere to curfew being imposed by the Regional Security Council since the government is committed to finding a lasting peace to Bawku Conflict. Interestingly the Kusasi youth group has kicked against the imposition of state of emergency in the Bawku Municipality as recommended by the Regional Minister. They are therefore of the view that it should be the last thing the government should do because many lives would be lost if it is imposed.