Politicians should stay off Bawku conflict; politicking has worsened it - Egyapa Mercer

Former Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has a message for Ghana's political figures. He urges them to avoid interfering in the Bawku conflict.

Mercer believes this long-standing security issue needs a united approach. He emphasizes that it should be non-partisan and free from political interests.

On JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, April 12, he expressed concern. Some politicians are allegedly exploiting the conflict for their own agendas. This interference only worsens tensions in an already unstable region.

“We must take our hands off the Bawku situation,” Mercer said. “Let us work together.”

He added that he cringes when national security matters become politicized. He noted the problems in the Sahel and hopes leaders won’t exploit these issues for political gain.

Mercer also accused President John Dramani Mahama of using the conflict in his 2024 campaign. While he admitted he lacks deep historical knowledge of the crisis, he stressed treating it as a national issue, not a political opportunity.