Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, former Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West
A former Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West, Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, has cautioned politicians against exploiting the long-standing dispute at Bawku for political gain.
Speaking to the ongoing crisis in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, on April 16, 2025, he expressed worry over the dispute that has lingered for decades.
He advised politicians to stay out of the long-standing conflict and desist from utterances that appear to fuel the already volatile situation.
“Let’s be mindful of our utterances and please let’s not take advantage of the situation to knocks heads together. What do you gain if you win power, but end up with followers who are maimed? What will be the point if you win power and later find out your supporters have perished?” he lamented.
Recounting the implications of the ongoing ethno-political conflict, he indicated that the disturbances do not only pose security threats to the region, but has badly impacted crucial sectors like the economy, education and health.
He particularly cited reports of health professionals fleeing the conflict zone as a major concern.
“I heard that doctors and health professionals are fleeing Bawku because of the security situation. I believe school children are unable to attend school because of the risks that abound,” he said.
He consequently called on the north eastern town to give peace a chance.
“I am pleading with the people of Bawku to give peace a chance. Many indigenes are unable to go about their normal duties; some have perished or have been maimed. These are your own brothers and sisters. So, lets take a cue from the mediation efforts to work out our differences and resolve this conflict completely,” the former MP for Upper Denkyira West said.
He also reiterated that politicians should limit their involvement in the Bawku conflict and allow mediation efforts, led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, other chiefs, the clergy, and community leaders to progress to bring a permanent resolution to the conflict.
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below: