Don’t politicize Bawku crisis – Chieftaincy Minister warns
The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has cautioned the feuding Bawku factions to stop politicking and the blame games with the sensitive issue at hand.
His warning comes in the wake of the recent killing of 16 people. The latest unrest was triggered by the return of Seidu Abagre to Bawku on October 24, after his contentious enskinment as Bawku Naba in February 2023.
Despite the lack of legal recognition for this title, his presence has exacerbated tensions between rival factions, resulting in multiple clashes.
Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, October 29, Mr Asamoah Boateng urged the factions to allow the crisis to be resolved so that calm could return.
He stated that the government is aware of the misinterpretations by the factions involved, which appear to be escalating the situation. Acknowledging a sense of mistrust that has emerged over the past week, he assured all parties that the trust they have placed in him, particularly in his role as the Minister responsible for Chieftaincy Affairs, and in the government, must be maintained.
He added that the government’s commitment to resolving the issue impartially.
“Government is guided by its responsibility to protect lives and property and above all to enforce law and order to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
“Government will keep listening to you and act impartiality. To build and maintain the peace in Bawku and its environs, no one should play politics with this sensitive matter.
“I will continue to engage with my colleagues in the political arena from all sides to work with government to resolve the current problem and to work towards lasting peace in the area,” he said.
Mr Asamoah Boateng also entreated the traditional leaders in Bawku not to engage in any acts that would escalate the situation.
He also announced the engagement of eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu to broker lasting peace in the area.