📍 Bawku, Upper East Region – April 10, 2025 – Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has strongly condemned the recent violent clashes between the police and youth in Bawku, which have led to fatalities, injuries, and an attack on his private residence.
MP Calls for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
📝 In a statement issued from outside the country, where he is on an official assignment, the MP expressed his sympathies to the affected families and appealed for calm, emphasizing the need for peaceful conflict resolution.
“Whilst attending an official assignment out of the country, I have learnt about fatal violent encounters between the police and the youth in Bawku and a subsequent vandalization and attempt to burn my private residence in Bawku in anger.”
Understanding Youth Frustration
⚖️ Ayariga acknowledged the deep-seated frustrations among the youth regarding the slow pace of resolving the Bawku and Kusaug conflict, as well as concerns over the conduct of some security personnel.
“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth about the pace of the resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug and the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government remains committed to its promise to ensure justice and lasting peace.”
Backing the Asantehene’s Peace Mediation
🤝 The MP reaffirmed his support for the peace mediation efforts led by Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which have been endorsed by key traditional authorities in the region.
“I will urge all of us to remain committed to the peace process being led by His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The Overlord of Kusaug, Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Overlord of Mamprugu Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga have committed themselves to the process and are fully participating.”
Commitment to Legal and Judicial Resolution
🔍 Ayariga reassured his constituents that he remains dedicated to achieving a peaceful resolution in line with Ghana’s laws and judicial decisions, which he insists must be respected and enforced.
“I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana, which must ultimately be respected and enforced.”
Rejects Smear Campaigns and Political Manipulation
🚨 The MP dismissed an alleged social media smear campaign against him, accusing his political opponents of taking advantage of the unfortunate situation for electoral gains.
“Kindly disregard the lies being told about me by political detractors and people seeking shamelessly to take advantage of the current unfortunate situation in Bawku and Kusaug to settle personal electoral political scores. The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated.”
Position on the Chieftaincy Dispute
👑 On the ongoing chieftaincy dispute, Ayariga reaffirmed his long-standing position, stressing that only the rightful traditional authority should rule Bawku. However, he urged patience as the Asantehene mediates the matter.
“My personal position on the matter has been known to all over the years and has never changed. It won’t change. I agree with the youth of Kusaug that another person cannot reside in Bawku claiming to be chief. But in reverence to the great Asante Stool, I leave that matter to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to resolve expeditiously. The law enforcement officers must be cautious.”
📲 Stay updated with HOTDIGITAL ONLINE! Download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow us on social media.
