<\/p>\n
Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has called for calm and unity among residents of Bawku, urging them to refrain from politicising the escalating conflict in the area.<\/p>\n
Addressing the media on Tuesday, October 29, the minister emphasised the government\u2019s commitment to maintaining peace in Bawku, which has been plagued by ongoing violence and unrest, particularly due to unresolved chieftaincy and ethnic disputes.<\/p>\n
The Minister\u2019s message comes amidst heightened security concerns in the area, following a tragic incident on Sunday, October 27, when gunmen attacked travellers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, a community close to Walewale.<\/p>\n
In the attack, eight travellers lost their lives, with passengers being subjected to questioning about their identities before the gunmen opened fire.<\/p>\n
Two vehicles were set ablaze in the deadly assault, deepening fears among the public and adding urgency to calls for peace and government intervention.<\/p>\n
During his address, Asamoah Boateng assured residents that the government, through his ministry and collaboration with other relevant bodies, is committed to working impartially with all parties involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will implore all sides to stop the conspiracy theories going around and the blame games and keep calm and allow the government to deal with the security and chieftaincy issues therefore. No one should play politics with this sensitive matter and I will continue to engage my colleagues in the political arena from all sides to work with the government to resolve the current problems and work towards lasting peace in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also urged the traditional leaders in the area to refrain from acts that may escalate the conflict.<\/p>\n
\u201cI strongly call on the traditional leaders from both sides to refrain from any act that will escalate the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMahama calls for restraint amid renewed Chieftaincy clashes in Bawku<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n