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 could bring lasting peace to the area.

The party noted that ethnic and political issues have caused mistrust among the conflicting groups. They believe a “neutral force” is needed 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 emphasized that failing to silence weapons before negotiations would hinder mediators' efforts. “I call on ECOMOG to intervene,” she said. Negotiations are ongoing, but weapons continue to appear.

Nana Sarpong-Kumankumah stressed the need for a trusted neutral group to disarm everyone. This would allow for meaningful negotiations.

She expressed concern over recent attacks in Bawku. The CPP Flagbearer urged the West African Community to show empathy for women and children there. They should support efforts towards resolution.

ECOMOG is ECOWAS's military arm, formed in 1990. Its purpose is to intervene in conflicts and restore constitutional order within its region. ECOMOG acts as a peacekeeping force, protecting humanitarian aid and supporting political dialogue.

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

Since taking office, President Mahama has prioritized resolving the Bawku conflict. His goal is lasting peace and development in the area. He has engaged various stakeholders, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who leads mediation efforts for common ground.