The Kusasi Group members of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee have withdrawn themselves from the peace committee. Apexnewsgh.com report
The group in Press Statement made available to Apexnewsgh.com stated reasons why they see their withdrawal from the committee as their best decision.
Our group has been sincere and committed in the work of the committee since its inception in May, 2009 whereas our main counterpart in the committee (The Mamprusi Group) have not demonstrated any good faith and committed in that regard, as a result peace has eluded us in Bawku.
The current disturbance in Bawku since last 3 days leading to the loss of precious innocent lives is particularly worrisome.
The entire committee decided unanimously to execute a programme to facilitate the smooth reintegration of all communities in Bawku, especially those previously involved in the bitter conflict, but the Mamprusi community suddenly decided not to be part of it ostensibly because it was not part of their culture. When they were asked to also add anything from their culture to enhance the programme, they refused to pay heed up to this date.
This was the “Burial” of the Okro stick programme (in a local palance)
Additionally, the Nayiri (Paramount of Chief of Mamprugu state) also tried to wade into the situation by claiming a right to enskin a Mamprusi man as a Bawku Naba now inspite of the fact that there is a valid Bawku Naba and who has been there since 1984 (38 years) in succession to his late father Abugrago Azoka 1
In this circumstance, we find it impossible to achieve any good result, hence our decision to withdraw.
On behalf of the Kusasi Group members of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee
Naba Kuolug (Wande Chief)
Background
The first main conflict among the two ethnic groups in Bawku, the Kusasis and the Mamprusis, over who was the rightful custodian of the area erupted in 1983 during the Samanpiid Festival celebrated by the Kusasis to signify a bumper harvest.
In 1984, the conflict re-ignited again, that time over the ownership of farmlands.
Subsequent conflicts occurred in 1985 during the Samanpiid, in 2000 during the general election, and in 2001 and 2007, also during the festival.
Aside from these major conflicts, there have also been pockets of deadly skirmishes between the two factions over the years.
The disturbances have led to the loss of lives and properties, while many people have sustained varying degrees of injury in the process.
The Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee (IEPC), comprising Kusasis and Mamprusis, was inaugurated in 2009 to work towards the restoration of peace to Bawku.
The IEPC was charged with the responsibility of opening up genuine, constructive, and effective dialogue among all the people of Bawku, especially the major protagonists in the conflict.
Even though the committee became dormant for some years, it was reconstituted in 2015.
Meanwhile, the area continues to witness some continuous sporadic disturbances, with the latest incident occurring this month and leading to the loss of lives and property.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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