Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Yendi, has made a compelling appeal to the government, urging it to allocate necessary resources and expedite support for the ongoing mediation process led by the Asantehene aimed at resolving the long-standing Bawku conflict.
He underscored the imperative for swift and visible action, cautioning that ongoing delays are intensifying public frustration and tragically costing lives.
The MP recognized the efforts of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who has been spearheading the mediation since it began on April 28 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
This initiative has involved several days of dialogue with various factions involved in the conflict. Despite praising the mediation process, Alhassan raised concerns about the limited flow of information, which he believes hampers public understanding and engagement.
“The government should do everything possible to fast-track what is happening at Manhyia. If there is a need for more resources, the government must look into that,” he stated emphatically. He expressed that the slow pace of institutional responses has led to growing impatience among the public. “One thing I have realized about our state institutions is that they are very slow in these deliberations. People are losing patience. Everything happens within the palace, and when they come out, you don’t even hear what went on. That makes people feel like nothing is happening,” he said.
The urgency of his call is amplified by a recent escalation of violence in Bawku, where a third-year student from Bawku Senior High School, Hakim Kundima, was tragically shot and killed on campus on July 26. Sources from Citi News reported that the student was violently dragged from his dormitory by unidentified gunmen at approximately 8:30 p.m. and shot outside in what appears to have been a targeted attack. This incident prompted the temporary closure of the school and the imposition of a curfew on the surrounding community to enhance safety.
In light of these developments, the Kusaug Traditional Council has expressed its commendation for the Asantehene’s mediation initiatives, labeling recent engagements as “productive.” They have voiced optimism that his intervention could represent a crucial turning point in resolving the ongoing conflict.
As tensions continue to escalate, the pressure mounts on the government to respond effectively to Alhassan’s urgent appeals and support the mediation efforts that could ultimately lead to peace in the Bawku region.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
