President John Dramani Mahama has called for an end to the protracted conflict in Bawku, warning that its continued violence threatens the future of young people in the region.
Speaking at the 68th Independence Day parade at Jubilee House on March 6, 2025, President Mahama stressed that the time for peace is now, urging residents to break free from the cycle of violence that has plagued the area for years.
“To the people of Bawku and other affected areas, it is time for lasting peace to prevail. Our children deserve to inherit a peaceful land where their minds are nurtured, not where their nightmares are relived,” he stated.
He underscored the need to foster unity in schools, marketplaces, and communities, emphasizing that young people should grow up in an environment of hope rather than fear.
“They deserve to inherit a land where our markets flourish with trade, not tension and conflict. They deserve to inherit schools that echo with learning, not sorrow,” Mahama added.
He cautioned against allowing old divisions to dictate the future, urging the people of Bawku to embrace reconciliation.
“Let us not be swayed by division, distrust, and the burdens of the past. Let us give renewal of friendship a chance; let us give peace a chance. This is not an invitation to simply forget the past—far from it. It is an invitation to rise above it,” he said.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in chieftaincy and ethnic tensions, has led to periodic violence, displacement, and loss of lives. President Mahama’s appeal adds to ongoing efforts to restore stability in the area, with security forces maintaining a presence to prevent further clashes.
