By Agnes Ansah
Accra, April 30, GNA-The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called for support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all the traditional authorities involved in resolving the Bawku conflict.
A resolution passed at the GBA’s 2025 mid-year conference on Saturday in Accra called for support for the revered traditional leaders considering how the conflict impacted negatively on lives and property, and on national cohesion.
The resolution was signed by Mrs Efua Ghartey, National President, GBA, and Mr Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the National Secretary of the Association.
“The GBA noting with deep concern the conflict in Bawku, and recognising its devastating impact on lives, property, and national cohesion, hereby calls for strong and unwavering support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all traditional authorities engaged in the mediation process…,” portions of the resolution read.
While calling for support, the GBA urged all parties to cooperate fully and respect the outcomes of mediation aimed at restoring peace.
The Bawku conflict has spanned ages and resulted in the death of hundreds of people, with others fleeing the area to seek shelter and better lives elsewhere.
Measures, including the deployment of security agencies, imposition of curfews and peace talks, have been employed to salvage the situation but to no avail.
However, on April 15, the Asantehene officially announced crucial mediation sessions, which commenced on April 28 and expected to end on May 1 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The GBA commended the urgent and genuine mediation efforts in the conflict, emphasising the importance of peace, dialogue, and national unity.
It committed to using its voice and platform to advocate a peaceful resolution and support any constitutional and legal measures necessary to secure lasting peace in Bawku.
The GBA also touched on pertinent issues in the country, including the suspension of the Chief Justice, Ablekuma North parliamentary elections impasse and illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey.
On the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the GBA called on President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the suspension, describing the action as unconstitutional and lacking a legal basis under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
On Ablekuma North, the Bar Association called on the Electoral Commission, the 2024 Election Security Task Force, particularly the Ghana Police Service, and other relevant authorities to take immediate and necessary steps to complete collation process and declare the results of the parliamentary elections to uphold the democratic rights of the constituents.
It urged the Judiciary to expedite the hearing of galamsey-related cases and ensure that offenders were held accountable in accordance with the law, considering the grave threat it posed to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, farmlands, and public health.
GNA
ABD