President Nana Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed that the resolution of the long-standing tribal conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region is the government’s top priority in terms of national security. Despite the loss of several lives, the government has made frantic efforts to ensure a lasting resolution to the conflict. During this year’s May Day celebrations held in Bolgatanga in the same region as Bawku, the Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) requested the President’s assurance on the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
In response, President Akufo-Addo said that nothing would give him greater pleasure as his presidency comes to an end next year than to see a resolution of the conflict in the border town. He assured the gathering of workers that the issue is at the top of the national security table, and security deployment in Bawku has been strengthened, while those violating law and order are being held accountable. Furthermore, he cautioned those beating war drums in an attempt to undermine the country’s peace and security, reminding them that the majority of Ghanaians committed to democracy will resist their actions. It should be noted that in his first term, President Akufo-Addo oversaw the resolution of the protracted Dagbon crisis by bringing the Abudus and Andanis together.
