Nana Obiri Boahen (L) and President John Dramani Mahama (R)
Former Deputy Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to apologise to the people of Bawku for comments he made during his campaign tour ahead of the 2024 general elections.
According to him, the statements have worsened tensions in Bawku, causing more harm than the peace many believe exists in the area.
“I expect Mahama to apologise for the comment he made during his campaign in the area ahead of the election because it has escalated the crisis.
“The conflict has been on for more than 100 years, so people should desist relating it to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC),” he said
Earlier, President Mahama said the Bawku conflict halts anytime the NDC takes over the administration of the country.
“If you look at the history, you will find that anytime NDC is in government, there is peace in Bawku and surrounding areas. As soon as we hand over to our brothers, then trouble starts,” he said.
Mahama made the statements while seeking votes, stating that ensuring peace in Bawku would be a top priority for his government.
He said this when he addressed a durbar of Chiefs and people at the Pusiga Naba’s Palace in the Pusiga District of the Upper East Region as part of activities for his four-day campaign tour of the Region.
But Obiri Boahen, apart from criticising Mahama, also went on to share his account and understanding of the Bawku crisis.
He explained that the Mamprusis lived under a centralised system of governance, unlike the Kusasis, who lived in smaller family units.
Despite this, he noted that historical records show the Kusasis were the first settlers in Bawku.
He emphasised that the Mamprusis were more organised and had lived together as a community in the area for over 400 years.
According to him, the roots of the conflict can be traced back to decisions made during Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s era, which sparked tensions between the two groups.
Though those tensions subsided for a time, he said they were reignited when the Pro-Convention People’s Party (Pro-CPP) aligned itself with one side, further deepening the division.
Obiri Boahen also mentioned that former President Jerry John Rawlings passed a decree to enskin a deceased Mamprusi chief, a move that escalated the situation and increased the hostility between the two clans.
“He even banned some Mamprusi leaders from entering Bawku,” he added.
Obiri Boahen went on to advise the people involved in the conflict to exercise caution and not allow political interests to divide them.
He also stated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has consistently contributed to efforts aimed at restoring peace in Bawku during its time in government.
He expressed hope that the recent intervention by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, would help bring lasting calm to the area.
VA/EB
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