Bawku crisis: Mahama confirms Otumfuo’s peace mediation to resume next week

President John Mahama has assured that the peace mediation process led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will resume next week, as efforts intensify to restore calm in the conflict-prone Bawku area.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, April 11, the President said the Asantehene had assured him of his commitment to reconvene stakeholders and continue the peace dialogue upon his return from a brief visit abroad.

“We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process, which saw all stakeholders participate in discussions in Kumasi on a roadmap towards peace. I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will commence next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad,” he announced.

He urged all parties to renew their commitment to peace, adding, “I entreat all sides to embrace peace as we dialogue to resolve these age-old disputes.”

He recounted the recent violence in Bawku, where an incident in a marketplace just two days ago led to the loss of life and destruction of property.

“The flashpoint continues to be the Bawku area. Only two days ago, an incident in a marketplace triggered an unfortunate loss of lives and criminal vandalism of properties. I wish to emphasise that nobody gains from this situation of conflict and insecurity,” he said.

The President commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their work in the volatile area. “Congratulations to our Armed Forces for the sacrifices, even at the peril of your lives, to protect lives and property in the Bawku conflict area. We need the cooperation of all to restore peace in Bawku and its environs,” he added.

He also reaffirmed plans to expand the Armed Forces’ operational and combat capacity. He stated that his administration would prioritise better training, modern equipment, and rapid deployment readiness for the military.

“In resetting our nation to build the Ghana we want, my government will aggressively pursue the ideas of operational and combat readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces. We will resource the Ghana Armed Forces with better equipment, including more simulators, more advanced training, and the ability to mobilise swiftly in times of need,” he said.

Wearing the uniform of the Ghana Navy in a show of solidarity, the President pledged to maintain a merit-based promotion system and to expand opportunities for non-commissioned officers. He also promised to address poor military accommodation.

“Under my watch as Commander-in-Chief, merit-based promotions based on competence and not connections will be the norm and not the exception. We will construct new housing units in the barracks and refurbish dilapidated and abandoned military accommodation across the country,” he pledged.

He highlighted Ghana’s strong contribution to UN peacekeeping, particularly the deployment of women: “Ghana has deployed 23.3% female staff officers and military observers, in excess of the UN benchmark of 14.21%.”

In a response to recent allegations that some international flights were being used for drug trafficking and money laundering, President Mahama cautioned against making baseless claims for political advantage.

“We will take all allegations of crime seriously and trigger our security service investigative machinery to go after criminals no matter who they are. But let me state emphatically also that we do not have the resources and time to engage in any game of smoke and mirrors,” he said.

Source: Myjoyonline