Bawku crisis: Military enforcement of peace will not work – Susan Adu-Amankwah

Susan Adu-Amankwah is the Executive Secretary of the National Interest Movement. She believes military enforcement won't bring lasting peace to Bawku.

On JoyNews’ Newsfile, she called for a thoughtful approach to resolve the conflict.

“Peace is not a sudden event,” she said. “It is a journey that takes time and effort.” Both sides must see benefits in achieving peace.

Adu-Amankwah referred to ethnic tensions between the Kusasis and Mamprusis. She hopes they will recognize the benefits of peaceful coexistence.

“Bawku has not grown,” she noted. “Both groups will eventually see gains from peace.”

She criticized recent attempts at forced integration, saying they worsened tensions. “Peace by force was attempted,” she explained. “The police tried to enforce integration, leading to violence.”

Adu-Amankwah warned against using military means to impose peace. “You cannot enforce peace or push it,” she stated. “True peace involves harmony, justice, and calmness.”

She supported the Asantehene’s involvement in resolving the crisis. His understanding of the issue and respect are crucial.

“The Asantehene knows the root cause,” she said. “We shouldn’t expect quick fixes; he must work for peace.”

Adu-Amankwah urged Bawku's youth to remain calm during this time. “Young people should tone down; they risk becoming victims otherwise.”

She reflected on the crisis's costs beyond security operations. “It’s expensive to deploy police and military forces,” she said.

“It also hinders our nation’s growth,” she added. “We need to weigh what is more costly in the long term.”