The Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC) Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson has asked the people of Bawku to be patient and give the council some time to work out things to ensure lasting peace in Bawku.
We know the anger and pain you are currently going through however, we believe that it is through wider consultations with all stakeholders in the conflict that the much needed peace we’re all searching for will come, he said.
Cardinal Peter Appiah said when the blacksmith continue to hit a hot iron several times it means something is at stake. That is why we of the Peace Council will continue to come to Bawku and interact with its people until peace is achieved in Bawku.
The Cardinal made this remark when the NPC made a third time visit to some parts of Bawku and interacted with its people. Cardinal Turkson said the NPC believes peace can reign in Bawku however, peace lies within the people themselves who much as matter urgency make conscious effort towards it. The cardinal expressed his condolences to all bereaved and prayed God to console them enough.
At Pusiga where the NPC visited the Naa Gbewaa Shrine, Maulvi Wahab Adam praised the people for keeping the shrine well. He however urged the people to strive more on the shrine to attract more tourists.
The Omanhene of Dormaa Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu was happy that at long last he has seen the Gbewaa Training College that trained his father and some other prominent citizens of Ghana. He said with all this landmarks and the good of the place, the people should embrace peace, which would automatically bring jobs and development to the area. He expressed desire to adopt some of the children who lost their parents in the conflict. Prof. Irene Adotei embraced and consoled the women who lost their children and husbands. She appealed to them to find a place in their heart to forgive those who have hurt them badly and take what has happened to God in prayers.
The Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga expressed worry over the conflict situation and appealed to the people of Bawku to exercise restraint and give peace a chance. He said we can resolve our differences through the use of rule of law and not with the guns.
The Pusiga Chief Naba Ayumah Tambisbalen said with all the blood that has been shed in the land there’s the need to pacify it through a ritual called collection of blood. The chief said the ritual could be done at one of the spots where blood was shed to cover all other spots scattered all over the municipality. He however, said the ritual have to be done by both the Kusasi and Mamprusi to pacify the land. Earlier, the NPC in Bawku paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II; the visit also took the NPC to Buabula, a suburb where children and women were murdered, Natinga, Bawku central market and lorry station and they finally ended the tour at Solminaba where the first incident of the conflict started.
The council members met some of the victims of the gruesome murders in person, console them and prayed for them.
The council in collaboration with the Bawku municipal Assembly donated 10 bags of maize, 4 bags of beans, 3 goats and unspecified large sum of money to some of the victims. Other dignitaries who accompanied the NPC in their interactive tour included the Deputy Coordinating Director Hon. David Naa-Irene, Mr. Frimpong Mensah executive secretary of NPC, Mr. Frank Afari research assistant, Officer Commanding the Air Borne Force in Bawku Major Worlanyo Agbebo.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
RELIGIOUS BODIES APPEAL FOR CALM IN BAWKU
Two religious councils delegation comprising Christians and Muslims in Bawku have also re-echoed the need for peace in Bawku in order to avert the looming hunger and poverty that might plague the municipality if the residents failed to heed to the plea of the nation.
In a four point communiqué jointly issued by the councils, dubbed, Christians and Muslims Dialogue, mentioned education, health, farming and freedom as the hard hit sections by the seven months communal violence which are likely to jeopardize the future of the nation leaders particular Bawku.
Speaking at separate meeting with the feuding factions in Bawku yesterday, Pastor J.O. Barnor of the Pentecost church in Bawku and Secretary to the council, said that education of the children who are the future leaders was being affected Seriously due to the conflict adding that resources that should have gone into providing infrastructure had been channeled towards peace keeping.
He added that health personnel fled the town resulting into unnecessary Deaths, Citing himself as an example; he said that during the 24hour curfew, he had stomach-ache, even though he had police escorts to be taken to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, there was no doctor or nurse to attend to him only God saved his life.
Pastor Barnor pleaded with Bawku Naba, to intervene and allow Mamprusis whose farm lands are located in the Kusasis dominated areas to farm, stressing that “Farming activities have also been hindered due to the conflict and this is likely to give birth to hunger, misery, poverty, therefore, we are pleading with you to give peace a chance”
The chairman of the Muslim council, Malam Inusah Musah, indicated that the absence of peace has affected the Friday and Sunday Congregational prayers and told them that they are one people created by one God, therefore should not fight one another and for peace to set in there should be mutual intervention and cordial relationship with both parties, “there we are pleading with you to stop fighting” he pleaded.
He added that worse of it was that people have denied their identities everywhere they go as he termed it “lost image” and also the international community and the entire nation are worried.
In his response, Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abrugrabo Azoka, blamed the imams for giving spiritual protections to the combatants to fight which is perpetuating the conflict adding that even though the Quran has good intentions, they should endeavor to impress upon its followers to positively relate with everybody for the good of humanity.
Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II explained he had instructed both his sub-chiefs and divisional as well as individual to allow Mamprusis to farm without any hindrance and urged any Mamprusis who feels intimidated or attacked by Kusasis should report the matter to the police and him.
An opinion leader of the Mamprusis, Mr. Ziblim Haruna said that it should be made clear that the conflict is not between Mamprusis and Kusasis a lone but involved other tribes in the municipality.
Buttressing his allegation, he said places like Possum and Patelemi all suburb of Bawku which are mostly dominated by moshie have been attacked by the kusasis, therefore calling for proper investigations into matter.
Contrary to Bawku Nabas stand on farm lands, Mr., Ziblim said, Mamprusis farm land in kusasis area is still being hold by kusasis making it difficult for them to farm during the season added they are hungry and tied and may likely push them to wall as he termed it “hungry man is an angry man”
They all thanked the effort by the councils and urged them to go at all length for permanent peace to restore to Bawku.
GODWIN NKUNU
ISD BAWKU
In a four point communiqué jointly issued by the councils, dubbed, Christians and Muslims Dialogue, mentioned education, health, farming and freedom as the hard hit sections by the seven months communal violence which are likely to jeopardize the future of the nation leaders particular Bawku.
Speaking at separate meeting with the feuding factions in Bawku yesterday, Pastor J.O. Barnor of the Pentecost church in Bawku and Secretary to the council, said that education of the children who are the future leaders was being affected Seriously due to the conflict adding that resources that should have gone into providing infrastructure had been channeled towards peace keeping.
He added that health personnel fled the town resulting into unnecessary Deaths, Citing himself as an example; he said that during the 24hour curfew, he had stomach-ache, even though he had police escorts to be taken to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, there was no doctor or nurse to attend to him only God saved his life.
Pastor Barnor pleaded with Bawku Naba, to intervene and allow Mamprusis whose farm lands are located in the Kusasis dominated areas to farm, stressing that “Farming activities have also been hindered due to the conflict and this is likely to give birth to hunger, misery, poverty, therefore, we are pleading with you to give peace a chance”
The chairman of the Muslim council, Malam Inusah Musah, indicated that the absence of peace has affected the Friday and Sunday Congregational prayers and told them that they are one people created by one God, therefore should not fight one another and for peace to set in there should be mutual intervention and cordial relationship with both parties, “there we are pleading with you to stop fighting” he pleaded.
He added that worse of it was that people have denied their identities everywhere they go as he termed it “lost image” and also the international community and the entire nation are worried.
In his response, Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abrugrabo Azoka, blamed the imams for giving spiritual protections to the combatants to fight which is perpetuating the conflict adding that even though the Quran has good intentions, they should endeavor to impress upon its followers to positively relate with everybody for the good of humanity.
Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II explained he had instructed both his sub-chiefs and divisional as well as individual to allow Mamprusis to farm without any hindrance and urged any Mamprusis who feels intimidated or attacked by Kusasis should report the matter to the police and him.
An opinion leader of the Mamprusis, Mr. Ziblim Haruna said that it should be made clear that the conflict is not between Mamprusis and Kusasis a lone but involved other tribes in the municipality.
Buttressing his allegation, he said places like Possum and Patelemi all suburb of Bawku which are mostly dominated by moshie have been attacked by the kusasis, therefore calling for proper investigations into matter.
Contrary to Bawku Nabas stand on farm lands, Mr., Ziblim said, Mamprusis farm land in kusasis area is still being hold by kusasis making it difficult for them to farm during the season added they are hungry and tied and may likely push them to wall as he termed it “hungry man is an angry man”
They all thanked the effort by the councils and urged them to go at all length for permanent peace to restore to Bawku.
GODWIN NKUNU
ISD BAWKU
SUBSIDY ON FERTILIZER MAKES IMPACT
The government intervention on some basic fertilizers through subsidy mostly used by subsistence farmers is making a considerable impact at the grassroots level.
The positive impact of this policy is that, it made the purchasing of the fertilizers accessible and affordable as a result of the heavy subsidy and the evenly distribution of the commodities across the municipality as compared to the past when farmers had to journey over a considerable distance to get the items at a concentrated area.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor said this when he granted an interview to this reporter.
Visit to Bawku Agricultural Office and some Agricultural Extension Agencies in the municipality saw a large crowd of farmers trying to buy some quantity.
For example at Yara Company, an Agricultural Extension Agency located at Zawse of about 8km from Bawku township has the mandate to distribute the fertilizers to farmers in that locality, therefore, making it convenient and comfortable for farmers to access it.
Some of the fertilizers subsided by the government where Urea, Sulphate of Ammonia (SOA), NPK (15:15:15) and NPK (23: 10: 05)
Before the reduction Urea was sold at GH¢ 49.00 per bag, but now sold at GH¢ 26.00, sulphate of Ammonia which was sold at GH ¢ 31.00 now selling at GH¢18.00, while N.P.K 15:15:15 with old price of GH ¢ 48.00 is currently selling at GH ¢ 26.00and N.P.K 23:10:05 with old price of GH ¢ 45.00, however is at GH ¢ 24.00.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor explained that in order to access the fertilizers, farmers and prospective buyers have to get a presented coupon from Ministry of Food and Agricultural Office (MOFA), District Agricultural office (DAO) or Agricultural Extension office (A.E.O)
Mr. Dorgbetor said farmers who have not heard the good news are being advised and encouraged to take advantage of this policy to increase their production consequently improve their lives and avert the shortage of food experienced last year in the region.
On the conflict Mr. Dorgbetor said however that, there has been improvement in the conflict situation in the municipality and its environs as a result of the effort of all concerned stakeholders especially the security in the recent time.
Mr. Dorgbetor therefore, advised all and Sundry to comply with the by-laws in and around the municipality and move about their normal activities but cautiously, especially during these trying times where people seemed to have been taken the law into their own hands.
He said also, there has been improvement in the hospital attendance as the Statistical office has been recording huge figures daily as contrary reported in some media houses that the hospital had been closed down.
Godwin Nkunu.
ISD BAWKU
The positive impact of this policy is that, it made the purchasing of the fertilizers accessible and affordable as a result of the heavy subsidy and the evenly distribution of the commodities across the municipality as compared to the past when farmers had to journey over a considerable distance to get the items at a concentrated area.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor said this when he granted an interview to this reporter.
Visit to Bawku Agricultural Office and some Agricultural Extension Agencies in the municipality saw a large crowd of farmers trying to buy some quantity.
For example at Yara Company, an Agricultural Extension Agency located at Zawse of about 8km from Bawku township has the mandate to distribute the fertilizers to farmers in that locality, therefore, making it convenient and comfortable for farmers to access it.
Some of the fertilizers subsided by the government where Urea, Sulphate of Ammonia (SOA), NPK (15:15:15) and NPK (23: 10: 05)
Before the reduction Urea was sold at GH¢ 49.00 per bag, but now sold at GH¢ 26.00, sulphate of Ammonia which was sold at GH ¢ 31.00 now selling at GH¢18.00, while N.P.K 15:15:15 with old price of GH ¢ 48.00 is currently selling at GH ¢ 26.00and N.P.K 23:10:05 with old price of GH ¢ 45.00, however is at GH ¢ 24.00.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor explained that in order to access the fertilizers, farmers and prospective buyers have to get a presented coupon from Ministry of Food and Agricultural Office (MOFA), District Agricultural office (DAO) or Agricultural Extension office (A.E.O)
Mr. Dorgbetor said farmers who have not heard the good news are being advised and encouraged to take advantage of this policy to increase their production consequently improve their lives and avert the shortage of food experienced last year in the region.
On the conflict Mr. Dorgbetor said however that, there has been improvement in the conflict situation in the municipality and its environs as a result of the effort of all concerned stakeholders especially the security in the recent time.
Mr. Dorgbetor therefore, advised all and Sundry to comply with the by-laws in and around the municipality and move about their normal activities but cautiously, especially during these trying times where people seemed to have been taken the law into their own hands.
He said also, there has been improvement in the hospital attendance as the Statistical office has been recording huge figures daily as contrary reported in some media houses that the hospital had been closed down.
Godwin Nkunu.
ISD BAWKU
REJOINDER – MAMPRUGU YOUTH SUPPORT
I write to express my discontentment for the unfounded allegations and incriminating statement made by Alhassan Batesima Adams, Chairman of Mamprugu Youth Association against Hon. Abdulai Abanga with the headline “Mamprugu Youth support peace efforts in Bawku”, which was published in the Daily Graphic, July 1st edition.
Quoting from the paper, the fifth and six paragraphs say “The chairman of the association, Alhassan Batesima Adams, however, called for the removal of both the Upper East Regional Minister and the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Messrs Alhassan Samari and Emmanuel Abanga, respectively for their alleged complicity in the conflict”.
“He contended that before the appointment of the two, Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict after their assumption of office”.
First and foremost, I would like to correct Mr. Adams for wrongly calling the Honourable “Emmanuel Abanga” as reported in the paper. The correct name is Honourable Abdulai Abanga.
Also, all and sundry knows that the current Bawku conflict started on December 31st, 2007. However, Hon. Abdulai Abanga after his appointment by His Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, he was confirmed in January 24th, 2008. Therefore, if Mr. Adams would say that before, Hon. Abdulai Abanga assumed office Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict is just the opposite. What Mr. Adams failed to acknowledge is that the conflict dates back 1958, which is far older than Hon. Abdulai Abanga.
The fact is that the conflict in Bawku had begun before Hon. Abdulai Abanga was confirmed let alone assume office. Further, administratively, it would take time for handover to take place for him to start work officially.
So for Mr. Adams, a whole chairman to exhibit such a blatant ignorance was unfortunate and unfounded. This shows that Mr. Adams is not in touch with events on the ground and therefore should not be allowed to make such wild and unsubstantiated comments capable of compounding the already dicey problem in Bawku which well-meaning Ghanaians are trying relentlessly to resolve for socio-economic development of the municipality.
To declare the neutrality of Hon. Abdulai Abanga as the Chief Executive of Bawku Municipality in the Bawku conflict, he did lot in consolidating the peace currently prevailing in Bawku such as assisting the National Peace Council and many other bodies to carryout their mediation and resolution efforts in Bawku. He is equally in constant consultation with the leadership from the Kusasi and Mamprusi who at any time call Hon. Abdulai Abanga to share or discuss Issues pertaining to the conflict and other general issues bordering on development.
By the invitation of the two sides by his Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, Hon. Abanga facilitated the movement of the feuding factions in honouring the invitation.
Again, as a leader for all and sundry, Kusasis and Mamprusis inclusive, in May when the 101 Mamprusis in Pusiga were displaced and sought refugee status in Goulougousi, a village in Togo, Hon. Abanga initiated efforts for their welfare until 66 were safely repatriated home whiles efforts are still under way to bring the remaining home.
So how could he be involved in the conflict? Did Mr. Adams want to say that Hon. Abanga is enemy of his own progress? Obviously not.
Mr. Adams could have done everybody good if he had mention any acts of omission or commission but he failed to do so.
In addition, we can’t ignore the meritorious roles Hon. Abanga played as chairman of MUSEC who hold regular meetings on the current situation with single aim of restoring peace to the Municipality for effective and efficient management of his administration in reducing poverty. Quoting from the Holy Bible, it says “A house that stands against itself can’t stand” therefore how can he succeed in his administration and so saddens the hearts of many considering this unfounded allegation vis-avis his position in taking side in the conflict.
From the view point of many peace loving people, Mr. Adams wanted to derail the effort so far made; by concerned citizens both in and outside Bawku otherwise Mr. Adams should not have made such a vague statement which has no iota of truth.
We therefore, challenge Adams, to come out with facts possibly figures to substantiate his allegation for every Ghanaian to see the contributions of Hon. Abanga in either generating or fuelling the Bawku conflict. If not we urge Adams and people like him to desist from such utterances that might aggravate the situation.
On this note we plead with all concerned be it individuals, groups, or institutions to all put their shoulder to the wheel in restoring peace, we mean absolute peace in Bawku and its environs for socio-economic development of the municipality.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
BAWKU MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
POST OFFICE BOX 1
BAWKU.
Quoting from the paper, the fifth and six paragraphs say “The chairman of the association, Alhassan Batesima Adams, however, called for the removal of both the Upper East Regional Minister and the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Messrs Alhassan Samari and Emmanuel Abanga, respectively for their alleged complicity in the conflict”.
“He contended that before the appointment of the two, Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict after their assumption of office”.
First and foremost, I would like to correct Mr. Adams for wrongly calling the Honourable “Emmanuel Abanga” as reported in the paper. The correct name is Honourable Abdulai Abanga.
Also, all and sundry knows that the current Bawku conflict started on December 31st, 2007. However, Hon. Abdulai Abanga after his appointment by His Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, he was confirmed in January 24th, 2008. Therefore, if Mr. Adams would say that before, Hon. Abdulai Abanga assumed office Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict is just the opposite. What Mr. Adams failed to acknowledge is that the conflict dates back 1958, which is far older than Hon. Abdulai Abanga.
The fact is that the conflict in Bawku had begun before Hon. Abdulai Abanga was confirmed let alone assume office. Further, administratively, it would take time for handover to take place for him to start work officially.
So for Mr. Adams, a whole chairman to exhibit such a blatant ignorance was unfortunate and unfounded. This shows that Mr. Adams is not in touch with events on the ground and therefore should not be allowed to make such wild and unsubstantiated comments capable of compounding the already dicey problem in Bawku which well-meaning Ghanaians are trying relentlessly to resolve for socio-economic development of the municipality.
To declare the neutrality of Hon. Abdulai Abanga as the Chief Executive of Bawku Municipality in the Bawku conflict, he did lot in consolidating the peace currently prevailing in Bawku such as assisting the National Peace Council and many other bodies to carryout their mediation and resolution efforts in Bawku. He is equally in constant consultation with the leadership from the Kusasi and Mamprusi who at any time call Hon. Abdulai Abanga to share or discuss Issues pertaining to the conflict and other general issues bordering on development.
By the invitation of the two sides by his Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, Hon. Abanga facilitated the movement of the feuding factions in honouring the invitation.
Again, as a leader for all and sundry, Kusasis and Mamprusis inclusive, in May when the 101 Mamprusis in Pusiga were displaced and sought refugee status in Goulougousi, a village in Togo, Hon. Abanga initiated efforts for their welfare until 66 were safely repatriated home whiles efforts are still under way to bring the remaining home.
So how could he be involved in the conflict? Did Mr. Adams want to say that Hon. Abanga is enemy of his own progress? Obviously not.
Mr. Adams could have done everybody good if he had mention any acts of omission or commission but he failed to do so.
In addition, we can’t ignore the meritorious roles Hon. Abanga played as chairman of MUSEC who hold regular meetings on the current situation with single aim of restoring peace to the Municipality for effective and efficient management of his administration in reducing poverty. Quoting from the Holy Bible, it says “A house that stands against itself can’t stand” therefore how can he succeed in his administration and so saddens the hearts of many considering this unfounded allegation vis-avis his position in taking side in the conflict.
From the view point of many peace loving people, Mr. Adams wanted to derail the effort so far made; by concerned citizens both in and outside Bawku otherwise Mr. Adams should not have made such a vague statement which has no iota of truth.
We therefore, challenge Adams, to come out with facts possibly figures to substantiate his allegation for every Ghanaian to see the contributions of Hon. Abanga in either generating or fuelling the Bawku conflict. If not we urge Adams and people like him to desist from such utterances that might aggravate the situation.
On this note we plead with all concerned be it individuals, groups, or institutions to all put their shoulder to the wheel in restoring peace, we mean absolute peace in Bawku and its environs for socio-economic development of the municipality.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
BAWKU MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
POST OFFICE BOX 1
BAWKU.
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