The Upper East Regional Peace Council has reacted to renewed clashes in Bawku due to chieftaincy disputes.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Chairman, Upper East Regional Peace Council, Alhaji Sumaila Issaka.

“The Upper East Regional Peace Council has noted with profound sadness the recent happenings in Bawku.

“This is so much so after many fruitful engagements by all stakeholders and a period of calm for the most part of the year, leading to the easing of the curfew and peaceful celebration of the Damba festival. However, since 24 October 2024, the situation in Bawku has deteriorated resulting in the loss of lives and creation of fear and insecurity in the area, even extending to the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway,” the statement bemoaned.

“While appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders, especially the security services and the people of Bawku, the Council wishes to call on parties in the conflict to heed the call of nonviolence and protect the peace so that Bawku can return to stability,” the statement urged.

The Council also called “on the security services to be proactive in ensuring the safety of all people in Bawku and of all travellers on the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway”.

“In this regard, we call on all residents of Bawku to support the law the enforcement agencies to implement actions that will help ease the tension and allow people pursue their livelihoods in a more predictable manner,” the statement urged.

“Crucially, we are in the last quarter of the year with the upcoming general elections and annual festivals such as the Samanpiid and Buud Yelle that must be allowed to take place in a climate of peace.”

The Council admonished, “All parties should by now know that violence only deepens the sufferings of the people of Bawku and never a way to addressing their grievances. Without the use of nonviolent approaches, we are only going to witness another cycle of violence and insecurity to no one's benefit.”