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Former Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul has reflected on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s efforts to address the protracted conflict in Bawku, expressing regret over the inability to achieve lasting peace during its tenure.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News, Nitiwul acknowledged the significant measures taken by the NPP government to maintain stability in the region but admitted that the ultimate goal of securing permanent peace was not realized.
“To say that we did not do anything is wrong. We did whatever we needed to do to keep peace in Bawku, but we wanted to achieve total peace, and that eluded us. So that would be the regret that I will say we have,” he remarked.
He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the government, including deploying security forces, encouraging dialogue among stakeholders, and collaborating with traditional and community leaders. While these efforts managed to provide temporary stability, they fell short of resolving the underlying causes of the conflict.
Nitiwul emphasized the importance of peace in Bawku, noting its prominence on the NPP government’s agenda. He pointed to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s recognition of the issue in his final State of the Nation Address as a testament to its significance.
“And for the [former] president to find space and mention that in his last State of the Nation Address, that he regrets that we couldn’t find total peace in Bawku, that alone tells how he views the issue of Bawku and what he wants to leave, or the message he wants to leave for the incoming president to look at Bawku critically. The government should engender trust in the people. That’s the first thing the government needs to do,” Nitiwul explained.
The conflict in Bawku, primarily between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, is rooted in historical and chieftaincy disputes. Over the years, it has resulted in significant casualties, including 41 deaths in recent clashes.
Nitiwul’s reflections underline the urgent need for continued efforts to build trust and foster long-term peace in the region.
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