Bissue backs Otumfuo’s peace plan, slams use of Bawku thugs in politics

Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue is the NPP candidate for Essikado-Ketan. He supports the peace mediation efforts in Bawku led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. He urges all Ghanaians to set aside political differences for national unity.

Speaking on The Forum, Bissue called for bipartisan support for peace. He emphasized that national stability is more important than political affiliations. “We should not say because Akufo-Addo started it, we won’t support it,” he said. “This is about national peace, not politics.”

Bissue expressed concern about violence in politics. He noted that some parliamentary hopefuls recruit thugs from conflict zones like Bawku for their campaigns. “What sort of laws are you going to promulgate when you get there?” he asked.

He urged stakeholders, especially political actors, to avoid actions that increase tensions. Instead, they should support efforts to resolve the Bawku conflict permanently.

Security analyst Emmanuel Kotin also commented on the situation in Bawku. He urged political parties, especially the NPP, to avoid politicizing peace efforts in the region.

His remarks followed backlash against comments made by Inspector-General of Police Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno. During a visit to Bawku, the IGP said youth from the area would be prioritized for police recruitment if they embrace peace.

This statement drew criticism from the Minority in Parliament and prompted Kotin's concerns on Hot Edition with Alfred Ocansey. “A simple question was asked of the IGP,” he noted. “In response, he said he would prioritize employing Bawku youths into the Police Service.”

Kotin criticized press conferences held by the Minority as losing their intended effect due to their brevity and lack of substance.