Renewed call on gov’t to review the ban on motorbike riding in Bawku

29-07-2011
An aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Binduri Constituency of the Upper East Region, Stephen Atugiba, has renewed call on government to reconsider reviewing the ban on motorbike riding by male inhabitants in Bawku. This, he observed, would ensure the growth of businesses and also allow the movement of goods and services without any hindrance. He said the relative peace currently being enjoyed by the people of Bawku and its environs is an ample indication that they are tired of the conflict and that frantic efforts must be made to see to their total wellbeing. Mr. Atubiga who is vying under the ticket of the NDC made the call at a press briefing held at Bolgatanga. According to him the ban on motorbike riding has brought untold hardship to many in the municipality and mentioned civil servants and business operators as the most affected. The situation, he further said has impacted negatively on the performance of schools and health facilities since personnel have to spend long hours to get to work. Teachers on the other hand are sometimes compelled to stay out of school due to difficulties in reaching their respective communities to attend school. Others are also constantly putting pressure on their educational authorities to grant them transfer permit to other places where they can freely work without any difficulty. It is against t this backdrop that government has to intervene to help save the situation. He said the ban on motorbike riding by men will continue to be in force unless the people of Bawku co-exist peacefully and exhibit positive attitudes at all times. He noted that as people with one goal it is extremely important to take stock of the past and map out comprehensive strategies that will build peace and bring about development. He appealed to both ethnic divides, particularly the youth and traditional authorities in the area to iron out their differences and not resort to actions that would jeopardize their future and that Bawku as well. Mr. Atubiga touched on the need for reconciliation to heal the wounds of the affected victims involved in the Bawku conflict and called on the government to work towards that effect in order to bring lasting peaceMr. Atubiga commended the government for taking bold steps in lifting the 18 month old curfew imposed on the municipality. This, he explained was due to the restoration of peace and urged the people to work towards obtaining absolute peace in the area. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Bawku Inter Ethnic Peace Committee for their giant strides in ensuring the return of peace and normalcy in Bawku.
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