Government Is On Top Of Issues at Bawku- Chieftaincy Minister

Report by Nana POKU
The Hon Asamoah Boateng has reaffirmed the government's resolve to tackle the protracted Bawku
Chieftaincy conflict, no matter the state of it.
Briefing the newsmen at his office, the minister was confident that all sinews would be stretched to
address the issues with the needed effort, but it needs the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
He was not too happy with the re-emergence of the conflict that has seemingly subsided over the last few
years coupled with the security measures the government has put in place.
"We appeal to all the factions to see dialogue as the only vehicle for resolution and peace building.
Without peace, we cannot develop and invest in the area. I therefore make a humble appeal to my
brothers and sisters to put down the warring implements and resort to dialogue," he said.
He asked journalists to tone down on their reportage to discourage the upsurge of passions and flames;
stressing that Chieftaincy issues are very sensitive and so care needs to be exercised in dealing with
them.
As regards the triggers of the current conflict, he did not want to wade into the conjectures, speculations,
causes, and opinions because it can heighten the already volatile situation. He called on the Ghanaian
people to de-politicize the troubles and also avoid the blame game.
He made it very clear that his ministry, the security agencies, the two warring gates would do everything
applicable and feasible to reduce the recent tension, especially around the political season.
The Hon Minister indicated that all stones would be turned to unravel the underlying causes to deal
decisively with the issue on hand to broker peace in the municipality.
He appealed to Bawku Naaba, Asantehene, and all chieftains to close their ranks and dive deep to fish
out the solution to this long disturbing Chieftaincy dispute that had bedeviled the people of Bawku and its
environs for so long.
He indicated that all the security measures are going to remain the same or reinforced if the need arises.
He therefore called on all politicians and individuals who may be the stokers of the blazing fire to refrain
from this unhealthy practice and utterances to ensure a lasting peace for the people of Bawku.