The Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA), Binduri Chapter, in collaboration with the Concerned Elders of Binduri in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region of Ghana, has appealed to the government to support the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, adequately to help restore lasting peace and development.
Addressing the media in Walewale, North East Region, Mr. Alhassan Peter Adams highlighted the spillover effects of the chieftaincy conflict in Bawku.
He expressed concern that young children growing up in a conflict situation might perceive violence as a normal part of life. He emphasized the need for the Asantehene-led mediation to restore lasting peace in Bawku, particularly as the chieftaincy disputes have extended their shadow over Binduri, a community historically known for its peaceful coexistence among the Mamprusis, Kusasis, Bissas, Frafras, Moshies, and Fulanis. Sadly, this community has recently become a victim of renewed violence, resulting in insecurity, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
“We are pleading with the government to support the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, adequately enough for him to be able to come up with the last solution to this problem, because as I talk, people, young children are going to grow up in a conflict situation and they are going to think that is normal life and they are going to live their lives being violent” he noted.
Mr. Alhassan Peter Adams, president of MAYA’s Binduri Chapter, lamented that the ongoing conflict has led to harassment, sporadic gunfire, intimidation, and the burning of homes.
He pointed out that some security operations are increasingly perceived as biased and uneven. Schools and health facilities have shut down due to the spillover effects of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict the government’s declaration of a shift from peacekeeping to peace enforcement, the violence has not ceased.
Gunshots and arson remain daily threats, and the recent unprovoked killing of two Mamprusi youth returning from Benuri has deepened the sense of injustice and mistrust among residents.
Speaking to Mrs. Alima Awini, she shared that the spillover of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict has severely affected women and children. Some pregnant women have fled Binduri for safety, seeking to deliver in places like Kumasi and Accra, often without stable accommodations. “Schools have been shut down, and children who have fled to Kumasi and Accra are forced to enroll in schools there, which many families cannot afford,” she added.
She added that it’s embarrassing for parents who have struggled to provide education for their children, especially for those in their final year of Junior High School who could not return to take their BECE exams due to the high tension in the area.
Mr. Alhassan Peter Adams made several urgent appeals and demands to the Government of Ghana, the National Security Council, and all relevant authorities.
1 . Immediate Review of Security Operations A reorganization of current security operations in Binduri to ensure neutrality, fairness, and adherence to human rights standards.
2. Permanent Security Establishments: The establishment of military and police posts in Binduri Township and Gumyoko for continuous protection and rapid response to attacks.
3. Reliable Military Escort System: implementation of a transparent military escort system from Bolgatanga to Bawku and Binduri, with a publicly accessible schedule for travelers.
4. Military Checkpoints: Installation of military-manned checkpoints at regular intervals along the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakrom highway to guarantee safe passage for commuters.
5. Neutral Security Forces.Deployment of neutral and well-supervised security forces with clear accountability mechanisms to prevent bias or misconduct.
6. Independent Investigations: Full, independent, and transparent investigations into recent murders, arson, and reported misconduct, with prosecution of perpetrators without fear or favor.
7. Cessation of Arbitrary Arrests: Immediate cessation of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and discriminatory profiling of Mamprusi youth and community members.
8. Enhanced Oversight: Increased oversight by national institutions such as the National Peace Council, CHRAJ, and civil society organizations to ensure transparency and justice.
9. Acceleration of Mediation: Acceleration of the mediation process under the leadership of His Majesty the Asantehene, with stronger government and traditional authority support.
10. Community Dialogue: Structured community dialogue and youth engagement across ethnic lines to build trust, prevent provocation, and promote reconciliation at the grassroots level.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo.