Bawku Naba comdemns attack on Mamprusi farmers

13-08-2011
The King of Kusaug Traditional Area, Zug-Raan, Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka has condemned the recent attack on some Mamprusi farmers around the Buabula area of Bawku describing it as unfortunate. The attack he said gives cause for worry not only to him but to all well meaning citizens of Bawku who had been co-operating in the peace building process as well as those who had worked tirelessly to maintain peace in the area. To him, so much work had been achieved in the peace building process, which he indicated, led to the complete lifting of the 18 month curfew imposed on the municipality. He argued that even though the incident is an isolated case, it ought to be condemned and appropriate steps taken to prevent its future occurrence. He however urged both sides of the ethnic divide to co-exist peacefully and refrain from retaliatory tendencies that could mar the peace being currently enjoyed by the people. In a release signed by the Bawku Naba, emphasis was laid on the need for the people to exercise restraint whilst measures are instituted to sustain the peace in the area through dialogue. The release sought the assistance of the Inter Ethnic Peace Committee to help identify the lands that are in dispute so that appropriate steps could be taken to resolve them. This it said will enable farm owners in the area to till their lands to feed their families. The task, it added, is ongoing whilst the committee works on the outcome of the report for onward submission to the Bawku Naba. The release called on all stakeholders involved in the peace process to step up effort to maintain lasting peace in the area, whilst prudent steps are being taken to convince the Mamprusi side of the peace committee to return to the negotiating table since their withdrawal gives a cause for worry. The search for peace it noted must be the concern of all especially citizens of Bawku. The release commended the security agencies for their professionalism in recent times and urged them to remain vigilant and impartial in the course of their official duties. The Bawku Naba said it will continue to mete out justice to all who deserve it and encouraged his people to feel free to approach him if necessary. He also urged the municipal assembly to foot the medical bills of victims involved in the recent farm attack to mitigate their suffering.
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