Members of the Bawku Inter-ethnic Peace Committee bounce back

08-07-2010 The Mamprusi side of the Bawku Inter-ethnic Peace Committee, have finally rescind their decision to disassociate themselves from the committee having stayed away from the committee for nearly six months following a misunderstanding. They have expressed their preparedness to return to the committee in search for a lasting and sustained peace in the Bawku Municipality. The Upper East Regional Minster, Mark Woyongo made the disclosure at a meeting with members of the two feuding factions at Bawku. Members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) among other dignitaries attended the meeting. Mr. Woyongo who welcomed the decision advised both parties to avoid all pitfalls to achieve the ultimate goal of peace that has eluded the people of Bawku for over two and a half years. He however urged them to put behind their past events and work collectively to ensure prevailing peace and development in Bawku and its environs. He said peace can only be achieved if the people of accept and live together and follow the due process of law to have their grievances redressed instead of taking the law into their own hands in seeking justice. He said government is poised to lift the curfew imposed on the municipality and urged the people to help maintain the peaceful atmosphere they are currently enjoying. He added that government for that reason has renew the curfew hours from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am instead of 4.00 pm to 6.00 am. Mr. Woyongo entreated residents of the area to help expose criminals from their hide outs to curtail further ethnic hospitalities and hatred. He expressed the hope that the reunion of members of the committee would materialized in ensuring lasting peace to Bawku since government and the people of the region are worried about the developments of Bawku as well as the loss of lives and properties as a result of retaliatory tendencies previously exhibited by the two factions. This according to Mr. Woyongo has retarded the total development of the area. He called for peace and unity to prevail in the area. Representative from both side of the committee however expressed their willingness to do away with the conflict and called for government and individual support. They were however grateful to various prominent persons and individuals for their intervention and roles played in calming the situation in Bawku.
GBC END IA/