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President Kufuor intensifies search for end to Bawku crisis
Accra, March 26, Ghanadot/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.
GNA
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