John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has made resolving the long-standing Bawku conflict a top priority if he’s re-elected as President.
This conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis has plagued the region for decades, causing divisions, casualties, and hindering development.
Mahama emphasized the need for proactive steps to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and long-term peace during a Governance Forum in Accra.
He’s confident in his ability to rally support from various stakeholders, citing the relative peace Bawku experienced during his previous administration.
Key Proposals:
- Establishing a Governance Advisory Council: to monitor political governance, fight corruption, and ensure human rights are respected
- Enhancing Accountability: Addressing Widespread Injustice and Economic Hardship Impacting Millions
- Promoting Sustainable Peace: resolving the Bawku conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding
The Bawku conflict is rooted in ethnopolitical rivalries and complex historical factors, including colonialism and land ownership disputes.
Researchers suggest that a shared political and land ownership system could potentially resolve the conflict, incorporating existing viewpoints on conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
