The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has cautioned factions in the Bawku conflict not to politicise the sensitive issue.At a press briefing on Tuesday, October 29, Asamoah Boateng stated that government is aware of the misinterpretations on the issue by the factions involved, which he believes is escalating the conflict.He acknowledged that there's a sense of mistrust among the factions and urged them to maintain their trust in government to resolve the conflict."Government is guided by its responsibility to protect lives and property and above all to enforce law and order to restore normalcy as quickly as possible."Government will keep listening to you and act impartiality.
To build and maintain the peace in Bawku and its environs, no one should play politics with this sensitive matter."I will continue to engage with my colleagues in the political arena from all sides to work with government to resolve the current problem and to work towards lasting peace in the area," he said.Mr Asamoah Boateng also entreated the traditional leaders in Bawku not to engage in any acts that would escalate the situation.He also announced the engagement of eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu to broker lasting peace in the area.The press briefing is in the wake of the recent killing of 16 people in Bawku after renewed clashes.
The latest unrest was triggered by the return of Seidu Abagre to Bawku on October 24, after his contentious enskinment as Bawku Naba in February 2023.Despite the lack of legal recognition for this title, his presence has exacerbated tensions between rival factions, resulting in multiple clashes.Interior Minister renews Bawku curfew