The King of Mamprugu, Na Bohaga Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, has called on the government to take decisive and immediate measures to end all forms of armed violence and protect his people in the Bawku Traditional Area of the Upper East region.
The Nayiri has expressed concern over reports of violence targeting members of the state security services and banditry along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highways.
At a well-attended press conference in Nalerigu, the Mamprugu overlord urged the government to “intensify national efforts to restore Bawku to its rightful state as a hub of commerce and harmony” and also to confront the destabilising activities of bandits along the international corridor.
The Nayiri’s statement came in the wake of renewed and relentless tension and violence between angry Kusasi youth and personnel of the Ghana Police Service in the Bawku traditional area.
Two police officers have since died, and two others, including an immigration officer, have been injured following the renewed tension.
The violence was reportedly triggered by Kusasis accusations of bias against the police. Specifically, the police administration was accused of “aiding women to trade in a Kusasi market.”
Hell broke loose on April 9 when a man, regarded as a Kusasi youth leader, died during a chaotic protest against the alleged police bias.
“The angry Kusasi youth in Bawku then went on a rampage,” witnesses reported, “leading to the burning of police barracks and the private residences of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander and a CID operative.”
The rampaging youth also “launched violent attacks against the police stations in Pusiga and Binduri and destroyed several police installations along the Bolga-Boko-Pulma-Kum road.”
During a reconciliatory visit to Bawku, the Inspector General of Police became a target of violence when his vehicle was “extensively damaged by armed bandits.”
Addressing journalists at his palace, the Mamprugu overlord, Nabwaga Abdullahi Mahami Syariga, offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased police officers and appealed for justice for their killings.
“May divine wisdom continue to guide His Excellency in his leadership of this Republic and in his noble endeavour to foster unity and peace within our cherished nation.”
In light of the increased instability in the Bawko traditional area, the Mamprugu overlord further made recommendations to the government for the restoration of law and order.
He said, “Increase security personnel and logistics. Address concerns raised by the police and military command in Bawku regarding insufficient manpower and logistics by deploying the required number of personnel to maintain law and order.”
“Though costly, this measure is far more prudent than bearing the price of insecurity,” he added.
“Empower security forces. Ensure that security forces operate without undue political interference, enabling them to pursue and apprehend criminal elements disrupting the peace.”
He also called for the safeguarding of economic freedom, stressing, “Guarantee that no trader, especially innocent women and children, including those from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Togo, are hindered from conducting business in their jewellery markets.”
The Nayiri, however, urged the youth of Mamprugu to remain calm “to allow the structures to work towards peace and harmony in Bawku.”
In this difficult moment, His Royal Majesty called upon the noble youth of Mamprugu to “exercise restraint, uphold the values of peace, and remain law-abiding, as efforts to seek lasting resolutions and relief are actively underway.”
Amongst other challenges faced, there have been reports of an economic embargo imposed by armed bandits, essentially preventing Mamprusss and their sympathisers from travelling in and out of Bawku.
The Nayiri condemned this development as “totally unacceptable” and strongly urged the government to “ensure free movement of goods and services along the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Poulimakom highways.”
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