Bawku Workers Demands Fair Prosecution of Perpetrators in the Protracted Conflict

26-01-2010
Narration: Aggrieved workers in the Bawku Municipality are demanding a speedy trial and prosecution of perpetrators involved in the protracted Bawku conflict that has led to the destruction of lives and properties of innocent citizens particularly, public servants. They made particular reference to three suspects who were arrested and detained last year in connection with the murder of two workers who died as a result of the conflict. These came to light when the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in collaboration with the Bawku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) met and interacted with workers at Bawku. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story.

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Report
The meeting which was heavily attended by some security agencies as well as workers in the private and public sectors, was in response to the threats and petitions sent to the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo by workers in the Bawku municipality. The workers for sometime now have sent various petitions to Mr. Woyongo with threats of leaving the Bawku township if nothing concrete is done to restore peace to the area. The workers claimed to have lost most of their colleagues over the years due to the incessant conflict in the area with particular reference to two workers, namely Shaibu Asunka, an Environmental Health Officer and Felix Asibi, former head of CHRAJJ who died during last year’s conflict in Bawku. The Workers therefore made certain recommendations and suggestions to the government on how to manage the security challenges in the area. A member of the Teachers and Education Workers Union (TEWU) Bawku branch, Mrs. Lucy Gariba who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved workers, demanded that prosecution of perpetrators leading to the death of the two workers be fast tracked to serve as a deterrent to others. They also appealed to the government to ensure that the Bawku-Inter-ethnic Peace Committee is revived and sustained to help bring lasting solution to the conflict. The security agencies were also urged to ensure confidentiality of informants so as to win trust and confidence of people who voluntarily gives out relevant information to them at all times. The Bawku Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Eugene Zongo-Naah Domah in his submission to the Regional Minister, proposed that a special uniform be given to teachers in the municipality for easy identification since teachers constitute the greater workforce in the Bawku municipality. Mr. Woyongo, who is also the chairman of REGSEC called for effective collaboration between the two feuding factions in the conflict. He recommended the use dialogue by the two factions as the only alternative that can bring peace to Bawku. Mr. Woyongo catalogued some of the interventional policies and strategies adopted by REGSEC to restore peace to the area and advised the workers to remain neutral by disassociating themselves from the conflict but rather contribute their quota in ensuring their safety. He commended the aggrieved workers for their patience and sacrifices despite the problems and urged them to give out vital information to the police leading to the arrest of perpetrators since reward packages await them.