The Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA), Bawku Chapter, has vehemently denounced allegations leveled by Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and his spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng, accusing former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of imposing a rival chief upon the people of Bawku during an election period. MAYA, in a strongly worded statement, characterized the accusations as not only reckless and malicious but also dangerously inflammatory, given the already volatile nature of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict. The association expressed deep concern that such irresponsible pronouncements could exacerbate tensions and undermine the fragile peace in the region, highlighting the potential for these claims to reignite violence and further destabilize the area.
Central to MAYA’s condemnation is the assertion that Agyapong and Kwarteng are resurrecting propaganda originally disseminated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign. This, they argue, is a cynical attempt to exploit the sensitive chieftaincy issue for political gain. The association expressed its disappointment, particularly given that Agyapong and his spokesperson had purportedly supported the NPP candidate in the same election where this propaganda was first employed. This apparent about-face, in MAYA’s view, calls into question their true motives and suggests a willingness to manipulate a delicate situation for personal or factional advantage within the NPP.
MAYA unequivocally rejects any attempt to politicize the Bawku crisis, emphasizing that such actions demonstrate a profound disrespect for the people of Bawku and the entire Mamprugu Kingdom. They see the dragging of this long-standing and complex conflict into the arena of partisan politics as an affront to the community’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability. They argue that the chieftaincy issue, with its deep historical and cultural roots, should not be reduced to a political football to be kicked around for electoral advantage. This instrumentalization of the conflict risks further dividing the community and undermining the prospects for reconciliation.
The association’s statement underscores the imperative of maintaining peace and stability in Bawku, prioritizing the well-being of the community above the ambitions of individual politicians. They argue that the pursuit of political power should never come at the expense of the people’s safety and security. This principle, according to MAYA, should guide the actions of all political actors, and the association calls upon all stakeholders to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could further exacerbate the conflict. They emphasize that the future of Bawku hinges on the collective commitment to peace and the rejection of divisive rhetoric.
In response to these allegations, MAYA demands an immediate and unequivocal apology and retraction from both Kennedy Agyapong and Kwasi Kwarteng. The association asserts that failure to comply with this demand will result in them being declared unwelcome in the Bawku constituency. This serves as a strong warning that the community will not tolerate those who seek to exploit their situation for political gain. The association’s stance underscores the seriousness with which they view these allegations and their determination to hold those responsible accountable for their words and actions.
The statement, signed by Seidu Awudu, President of MAYA’s Bawku Chapter, and Abdul Majeed Bagura, the Secretary, represents a firm and resolute response from the youth of Mamprugu to what they perceive as a dangerous and irresponsible attempt to politicize the Bawku chieftaincy conflict. Their condemnation of Agyapong and Kwarteng reflects a broader concern about the potential for political opportunism to undermine the fragile peace in the region. The demand for an apology and retraction, coupled with the threat of being declared persona non grata in the constituency, signals a strong resolve on the part of MAYA to protect the interests of the community and to ensure that the pursuit of peace remains paramount.
