Politicians should stay off Bawku conflict – Egyapa Mercer

Former Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has called on Ghanaian politicians to refrain from interfering in the ongoing Bawku conflict, warning that political involvement only deepens the unrest.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, April 12, the former Sekondi MP expressed concern that some political actors are allegedly using the volatile situation to pursue their own interests.

“We the politicians must take our hands off the Bawku situation and let us work together,” he urged. “I cringe when matters of national importance and national security are politicised. We know the problems of the Sahel, and perish the thought that any of our leaders would exploit the situation for political gain.”

Mr. Mercer also accused former President John Dramani Mahama of leveraging the Bawku conflict as part of his campaign messaging during the 2024 general elections. While admitting he was not deeply familiar with the historical roots of the crisis, Mercer stressed the need for a united, non-partisan approach to resolving the issue.

He called for national cohesion and urged all stakeholders to treat the Bawku conflict as a matter of national security rather than a political opportunity.