By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), July 29, GNA – Mr. Bill Godson Ocloo, a Security Analyst, has expressed worry about the recent surge in violence at Bawku, a town near the Ghana’s border with Burkina Faso, which has resulted in unwarranted deaths including students and left many more injured.
Mr. Ocloo said that the latest escalation of violence at Bawku was a stark reminder of the need for an urgent solution to the decades-long conflict in the area to protect and safeguard the citizens.
Mr. Ocloo, who is also the Executive Director of African Centre for Human Security, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said that the Bawku conflict was primarily driven by a chieftaincy dispute between the Mamprusi and Kusasi people.
“The historical disagreements, ethnic tensions, and power struggles have fueled the conflict, which has been ongoing for years and has resulted in loss of many lives,” he said.
He said that the conflict has had severe effects on the community, including loss of life, displacement, economic disruption, fear and insecurity and residents have been forced to flee their homes, and students have been evacuated from schools in the area.
Mr. Ocloo noted that the recent surge in violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, including students and civilians and the tragic loss of life highlighted the urgent need for government to find a lasting solution to solve the conflict.
“This conflict has disrupted economic activity in the region, affecting businesses and livelihoods. Many residents have been forced to flee their homes, leading to a significant displacement of people.”
The Security Analyst called for an urgent solution to the conflict, citing the need for increased security presence, enforcement of curfew, dialogue, and mediation with an immediate action to address the underlying causes of the conflict.
He proposed that the government should deploy more security personnel to the area, enforce the curfew, and engage in dialogue with the feuding parties to resolve the conflict peacefully and address the underlying causes of the conflict such as historical disagreements and power struggles which were crucial to finding a lasting solution.
He said the Bawku conflict has significant implications for the region which include regional instability, humanitarian crisis, and economic consequences with the conflict having a potential to further destabilise the region, particularly taking the porous nature of borders with Burkina Faso into consideration.
Mr. Ocloo appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and other security agencies to increase patrols, gather intelligence, engage with the community, and collaborate with other agencies to ensure a coordinated response to the conflict.
He said the curfew imposed in the area has had both positive and negative effects. While it has helped to reduce violence and prevent further attacks, it has also caused inconvenience to residents and disrupted economic activity.
He added that, “The Bawku conflict requires a holistic approach, combining security, dialogue, community engagement, and development efforts. The government and security agencies must work collaboratively with local leaders to restore peace, ensure justice, and address underlying grievances.”
He urged the government, security agencies, and local stakeholders to work together to help restore peace and ensure a brighter future for the people of Bawku in promoting peace, stability, and development in the area.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah