PUBLIC AGENDA
FRIDAY 16, 2008
NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT FORUM CALLS FOR PEACE AT BAWKU
BY: Selorm Amevor
The leadership of the Northern Development Forum (NDF) has added its voice to the clarion call for parties in the Bawku conflict to halt further atrocities.
According Chairman of the NDF, Dr. Hakeem Wemah, the Kusasi and the Mamprusi who are the main parties in the on-going conflict must find the moral courage and the spirit of tolerance to confront and overcome the on-going violence.
“Too many people have died in a conflict that can never be solved through violence, nowhere has violence solved any problem,” he said.
The chairman said the present level of hatred that is consuming the two communities in Bawku has led to revenge killings and deepened internecine violence that is unacceptable in a country where the respect for the rule of law is supreme.
“The NDF draws the attention of all the youth of Bawku that Ghanaian traditions and values respect the sanctity of life and more importantly the two great religions that forms the majority of our community of faith and believe in God, Christianity and Islam underscore the sacred value of human life,” he added.
Dr. Wemah said this in Accra when the National Council of Ghanaians Associations (NCGA) based in New York, USA donated GHC 5000 as its contribution to relieve the pain of those in the Northern parts of the country who were affected by the floods last year.
He called on the youth from both sides to reflect on the consequences of their actions, since according to him the recent escalation of violence has brought untold hardship on the people.
“We urge the security agencies to maintain their vigilance and to sustain professionalism in the conduct of their duties I a polarized environment that has been exacerbated by families still grieving from the loss of their loved relatives,” he added
According to him, the NDF recognizes that ending the current violence is only an immediate response, while engagement for durable peace is must continue and therefore appreciates the involvement of the president of Ghana by talking to both sides to stay calm.
Dr. Wemah indicated the return of calm however must provide opportunity for active engagement through dialogue with the Kusasi and the Mamprusi, as well as other ethnic groups in the Bawku area to build peace.
The NDF further urged the government not to spare any efforts in its primary and responsibility to protect all residents in the Bawku area.
The NDF called on all political and opinion leaders from the Bawku area resident in Accra and all the regional capitals to stand up and speak against the on-going violence.
In addition, they commended the efforts of civil society organizations and religious bodies to build peace under the Bawku Peace Initiative and said such efforts can only yield fruits when the violence ceases.
“In this hour of need, your silence could be misinterpreted to endorse violence in Bawku, in your capacity as leaders, your voice to support peace is paramount,” he added.
Making the presentation on behalf of the over 13 Ghanaian association America, Nana Kofi Anane Amponsah, Asantefohene of New York said the group was touched by the plight of those who were affected and therefore saw it necessary to contribute their widows mite to help them.
According to him, natural disaster s are unavoidable and not peculiar to any group of people or continent, and therefore urged other well-meaning Ghanaian living in the diaspora to contribute in reducing the burdenof those who were affected by the flood.
Nana Amponsah commended the government and other well-meaning Ghanaians for the role they played by providing relief items to the victims.
Dr. Wemah, commended the association for their kind gesture and show of patriotism and was of the view that their gesture was an indication that Ghanaians are one people of a common destiny.
Dr. Wemah said NDF has the endorsement of the various leaderships of the North, including the Vice President, and the members of the council of state, members of parliament of the three Northern Religions and the traditional rulers through the various regional house of chiefs among others.
He indicated that the recognition of the forum by NCGA was an indication they have kept faith with the people and have sent foodstuffs and other relief items to victims of the flood.
