The Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohaga Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has issued a fervent plea to the Ghanaian government to implement immediate and decisive measures to quell the escalating violence and restore enduring peace in Bawku. Speaking from the Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu, the Nayiri expressed profound concern over the recent unrest, characterizing it as a consequence of lawlessness perpetrated by certain youth factions engaged in arson and attacks against state property. While acknowledging President John Dramani Mahama’s symbolic gesture of visiting Bawku and Nalerigu as his first official trips outside the capital, Accra, the Nayiri emphasized the urgency of concrete government action to address the underlying causes of the conflict and prevent further escalation.
Central to the Nayiri’s message was the imperative of upholding law and order. He underscored the critical need for accountability, urging the government to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the violence and destruction. The Nayiri asserted that without justice and a demonstrable commitment to maintaining order, lasting peace would remain an unattainable goal. He delivered a stern warning, emphasizing that the state must fulfill its sovereign duty to protect its citizens and enforce the rule of law. Failing this, the Nayiri cautioned, the people of Mamprugu would be compelled to take independent action to safeguard themselves should the provocations and injustices continue unabated. This statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for further escalation if the government does not intervene effectively.
The Nayiri’s address went beyond mere condemnation of the violence; he also proposed a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to restore stability and security in the embattled region. These recommendations included a significant bolstering of security presence in Bawku, with the deployment of additional personnel and enhanced logistical support. This increased presence, he argued, would provide a more robust capacity to respond to and prevent further outbreaks of violence. Crucially, the Nayiri also emphasized the need for security forces to operate independently, free from political influence or interference, enabling them to enforce the law impartially and effectively. He further advocated for increased protection of key institutions and economic activities, recognizing that these are vital for the stability and prosperity of the region.
Furthermore, the Nayiri’s proposals extended to enhancing security infrastructure and control measures. He called for the establishment of police posts in Binduri, a move aimed at extending the reach of law enforcement and providing a greater sense of security to the residents. He also recommended the unification of transport systems, likely to improve oversight and regulate movement within the region, thus making it more difficult for perpetrators of violence to operate with impunity. In addition, the Nayiri suggested the implementation of strategic checkpoints, which would serve as deterrents and aid in monitoring the flow of people and goods, further enhancing security and control.
The Nayiri’s comprehensive recommendations reflect a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the situation in Bawku. He recognized the need not just for increased security presence, but also for structural improvements to governance and security infrastructure. By addressing both the immediate need for greater security and the long-term requirements for stability, the Nayiri outlined a path towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region. He also highlighted the importance of empowering local communities and fostering economic development as key components of a sustainable peace-building process.
Concluding his address, the Nayiri expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who had lost their lives during the recent unrest, specifically acknowledging the sacrifice of members of the security services who died in the line of duty. He offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and reiterated his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of peace and justice in the region. This expression of sympathy and solidarity served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a resolution that respects the dignity and safety of all residents of Bawku. The Nayiri’s call for peace and justice resonated deeply, underscoring the critical need for a comprehensive and sustained effort to address the root causes of the conflict and build a more secure and harmonious future for the region.
