17-07-2011
Narration: The Navrongo –Bolgatanga Diocese of the Catholic Church in collaboration with members of Youth Action for Peace and Development (YAFPAD) have with the support of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) held a peace awareness creation congress at Bawku. The initiative is to mark the end of protracted violent conflict that characterized the area and to renew their commitment and support in ensuring lasting peace in Bawku. The congress which attracted a cross section of the public including youth from both ethnic divide was on the theme: “Giving peace a chance for Development: a challenge for Bawku Youth. Correspondent Isaac Asare witnessed the occasion and has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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Report
The Bawku Municipality and its immediate environs for some time now have not enjoyed relative peace. The once boisterous town was eventually reduced to a “ghost town” due to protracted ethnic strife between Kusasis and Mamprusis. Precious lives and properties running into several thousands of Cedis were lost during the course of the impasse, which saw the burning of houses and retaliatory shootings. Various attempts by government and peace advocates including the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to forestall peace to the area did not yield much results due to misunderstanding from both factions. The situation therefore paved way for government to impose curfew in the municipality as a measure to halt the endless killings. This was followed by a total ban on motorbike riding by male inhabitants. The 18 month old curfew coupled with the ban on motorbike riding undoubtedly brought untold hardship to the people because businesses were greatly affected. To this effect, government upon the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council had unanimously lifted the curfew to allow businesses to commence whilst at the same time enabling the police and the military to maintain the calm that had returned to the areas. The welcome news has therefore necessitated the 3-day peace congress to usher in a fresh beginning. The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musah Abdullai, acknowledged the contribution of the government, the MUSEC and the Bawku Inter Ethnic Peace Committee for their tremendous support and contribution they have made and continue to make towards enhancing efforts of the RCC in its drive towards attaining absolute peace in the region and Bawku in Particular. He challenged the youth to focus their attention on knowledge acquisition and wealth creation and not believe in the principle of bravely since it has the tendency of jeopardizing their future aspirations. The ban on motorbike riding, he noted, impedes economic growth in the area and appealed to the youth to exhibit good conduct so as to enable government reconsider its decision to lift the ban. He also charged them to shun people who enjoy violence but rather embrace peace since it is a prerequisite for development. The Chairperson of YAFPAD, Miss Osman Nafisa Alem declared her outfits readiness to work towards attaining absolute peace in Bawku and called for the support of all to achieve their desired objective. The Catholic Priest of Damongo, Rev. Fr. Lazarus Annyereh, encouraged the youth group not to only see themselves as ambassadors of peace but also let dialogue prevail in all they do. He urged them to eschew violence and make education their number one priority. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs. Lucy Awuni appealed to the youth of Bawku to work collaboratively to ensure lasting peace in the area. She said government has not relented in its efforts to finding permanent peace in Bawku, but was quick to add that the success of government’s effort depends largely on their support and cooperation. The Congress was climaxed with a peace walk and a drama to demonstrate the essence of peace.
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