Mahama calls for truce in Bawku conflict

Former President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to factions in the renewed Bawku conflict to restrain them­selves and end the bloodbath.

Mr Mahama who is also the presidential can­didate for the opposition National Democratic Congress in the December 7 polls said violence was not in the interest of anybody because same would retard the development of the area.

• Former President Mahama addressing party supporters at Saboba

Addressing a mini rally at Saboba in the North­ern Region on day one of his three-day campaign tour of the region on Monday, the former pres­ident said the people of Bawku must not allow themselves to be used by unseen hands for their parochial interests.

“I am appealing to the people in the Bawku area and all the stakeholders to exercise peace and restraint.

“We know that there are some sinister hands that are trying to stoke the fire of ethnic conflict among you but do not allow yourselves to be provoked to violence,” the former stated.

The renewed conflicts has led to the death of at least 20 people and several others injured.

Two were shot dead at their Zongo residence in the township at about 12:00 am yesterday, while eight met their untimely demise after assail­ants attacked them in the Bawku Township in the afternoon of Sunday.

Similarly, three young men, believed to be in their late 20s and early 30s who were onboard a mini vehicle, were accosted on the route close to the Bawku Technical Institute (Bawku Tech), and were shot multiple times, leading to their instant death.

A reprisal attack from an angry youth also mobilised and attacked houses in about four com­munities, resulting in seven additional deaths.

These deaths, the former president said were unfortunate and blights the growth of the area.

He said a future NDC government would work assiduously to restore the cherished peace to the area for development.

“People of Bawku, I am begging and plead­ing with you to remain calm and don’t resort to conflict.

“The NDC is coming and when we come, we’ll make sure that there is peace in Bawku and its surrounding areas,” he assured.

 FROM JULIUS YAO PETETSI, SABOBA