ECOMOG must intervene in Bawku crisis – CPP

The IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno recently visited Bawku.

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has made an appeal. They want the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to help resolve the conflict in Bawku. The CPP believes this intervention is necessary for lasting peace.

The party noted that ethnic and political issues have caused mistrust among the groups involved. They emphasized the need for a “neutral force” to intervene and bring fighters “to submission.”

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong-Kumankumah spoke about this issue. She is the CPP Flagbearer for the 2024 Presidential Election. She stated that ECOMOG's involvement would help disarm and “silence the guns in Bawku.”

She warned that negotiations would be difficult without first silencing the guns. “I call on ECOMOG to intervene to resolve the protracted Bawku conflict,” she said. She expressed concern over ongoing violence, noting that weapons are still present despite negotiation efforts.

Nana Sarpong-Kumankumah stressed the importance of a trusted neutral group intervening with authority. This group should disarm everyone and facilitate negotiations.

She also highlighted concerns for women and children affected by recent attacks in Bawku. The CPP urges the West African Community to show empathy and support resolution efforts.

ECOMOG is ECOWAS's military arm, formed in 1990 to address conflicts in West Africa. Its main role includes peacekeeping, protecting humanitarian aid, and supporting political dialogue.

Recently, President John Dramani Mahama toured the Upper East Region. He urged conflicting factions in Bawku to accept government mediation efforts for peace.

Since taking office, President Mahama has prioritized resolving the Bawku conflict. He aims to restore lasting peace and promote development in the area.

He has engaged various stakeholders, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who leads mediation efforts toward a common ground.