Security analyst, Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd) has highlighted the significance of President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Bawku following the protracted ethnic conflict there.
President Mahama moved to Bawku on Tuesday, January 14 with the aim of promoting lasting peace in the conflict-stricken area.
His first engagement was with the Bawku Naaba, Zug-raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the paramount chief of the Kusaug Traditional Area.
He is also scheduled to meet with Nayiiri Bohagu Abdulai Mahami, the overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area.
Before his visit, President Mahama convened a high-level meeting with heads of various security agencies to discuss strategies for addressing the tensions in Bawku, which has been at the heart of decades-long ethnic conflicts between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities.
In an interview with Channel One TV’s Nana Tuffour Boateng, Colonel Aboagye Rtd. expressed confidence in the positive impact of the President’s visit saying, it will send a strong message to the feuding factions to exercise caution and prioritise peace.
“Whatever way that we look at it, this visit is likely to send a positive signal to all the parties that the President intends on helping to mediate the conflict.”
He proposed the creation of a mediation group made up of traditional leaders and respected figures from both the region and nationwide to help facilitate the peace process.
“I think the best approach would be the Dagbon conflict to find a mediation group combining traditionalists and other eminent personalities within the country and within the region to help the mediation.”
Source: citinewsroom.com