Kufuor shifts mediation efforts in Bawku crisis to gear

Accra, March 26, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday met with a delegation of Mamprusi elders, opinion and youth leaders at the Castle, Osu, as part of a process launched to help end the violent clashes in Bawku in the Upper East Region.

He had already held similar talks with the other faction to the conflict, the Kusasis, led by the Bawku Naba, Na Abugrago Azorka. President Kufuor in remarks before going into closed session with the delegation drew attention to the need for all to show sincere and genuine commitment to dialogue to help to restore peace for all to go about their legitimate business.

He said, he was hopeful that through these separate talks, the two sides would come to appreciate each other to launch the accommodation process.

The problem in that, part of the country, he said, was of national concern and had been at great cost to the nation. "I know that you all love Ghana. You do not want Ghana to burn. You must therefore open your hearts and to show patriotism." He said with such outlook, peaceful settlement that would be a win-win for all sides could be reached. President Kufuor said the area held much potential for wealth but pointed out that without peace and security this could not be unlocked.

Dr. Sam Bugri, Spokesperson of the delegation, said they were grateful to President Kufuor for the opportunity to interact with him and to address the issues relating to the Bawku conflict.

He expressed optimism that, there would be fruitful conclusions, which would help to resolve the problem. Dr Bugri, a former Director of Public Health, acknowledged that without peace and tranquility, there could not be development and spoke of their desire to dialogue.

Recent clashes in Bawku had claimed some lives, left many injured and property destroyed. The situation has forced the Government to impose a curfew in the area and the deployment of the military and police to keep the peace.