Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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.

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