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The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the recent violent confrontations between the police and youth in Bawku, which have reportedly resulted in deaths, injuries, and an attack on his private residence.
In a statement issued from abroad, where he is currently on official duty, Mr. Ayariga expressed sorrow over the escalating violence and offered his sympathies to victims and their families.
“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,” he stated.
The MP acknowledged the growing frustration among the youth concerning the slow progress in resolving the long-standing Bawku and Kusaug conflict. He also addressed concerns about the behavior of certain security personnel in the area.
“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. My condolences to the bereaved and sympathies to the injured,” he added.
Mr. Ayariga emphasized his full support for the ongoing peace process being facilitated by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and noted that the initiative has the endorsement of traditional leaders from both sides of the dispute.
“In this regard, 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,” he said.
Reaffirming his dedication to the people of Bawku and Kusaug, the MP pledged to pursue a lasting resolution through legal and constitutional means.
“I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug, whom I represent, that 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,” he said.
Mr. Ayariga also addressed recent attempts to tarnish his image, alleging that some individuals were using the ongoing tensions for political gain.
“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,” he said.
On the controversial chieftaincy issue, Mr. Ayariga reaffirmed his consistent stance over the years, while expressing trust in the Asantehene’s leadership to resolve 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,” he concluded.
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