Bawku MP Speaks Out: Mahama Ayariga Condemns Violent Clashes, Backs Otumfuo’s Peace Efforts

Mr Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has condemned the recent violent clashes between police and youth in Bawku, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and an attack on his private residence. 
In a statement issued by Mr Ayariga, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, Accra, he expressed sympathy for those affected and appealed for calm amidst rising tensions over the prolonged Bawku conflict. 
It acknowledged the alleged deep-seated frustration among the youth regarding the slow pace of resolving the Bawku and Kusaug conflict, as well as concerns over the conduct of some law enforcement officers. 
“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth about the pace of the resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug and the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers,” it said.  
The statement noted that the NDC government remained committed to ensuring justice and lasting peace. 
It also reaffirmed Mr Ayariga’s support for the ongoing peace efforts mediated by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, emphasising that the process had the backing of key traditional authorities in the region.  
“In this regard, I will urge all of us to remain committed to the peace process being led by His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. 
“The Overlord of Kusaug, Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and the Overlord of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga, are fully participating in the process,” it said. 
The statement further assured of the MP’s unwavering commitment to his constituents to resolving the long-standing dispute in accordance with Ghana’s laws and judicial decisions. 
“Whilst attending an official assignment out of the country, I have learnt about fatal violent encounters between the police and the youth in Bawku and a subsequent vandalization and attempt to burn my private residence in Bawku in anger. 
“I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug, whom I represent, that I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana, which must ultimately be respected and enforced,” it stated. 
The statement dismissed alleged coordinated smear campaigns against Mr Ayariga on social media, calling on the public to disregard “lies being told” by political opponents.  
“Kindly disregard the lies being told about me by political detractors and people seeking shamelessly to take advantage of the current unfortunate situation in Bawku and Kusaug to settle personal electoral political scores,” it said. 
Reaffirming his long-standing position on the chieftaincy dispute, the statement quoted Mr Ayariga also the Majority Leader, as saying, “My personal position on the matter has been known to all over the years and has never changed. It will not change.  
“I agree with the youth of Kusaug that another person cannot reside in Bawku claiming to be chief. But in reverence to the great Asante Stool, I leave that matter to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to resolve expeditiously. The law enforcement officers must be cautious,” it said. 
GNA