THE Bawku conflict continues to create uneasy moments for the indigenes of Bawku and Ghanaians in general. For many years, the conflict has refused to be doused and in the past few days there have been disturbing events in the area, leading to the loss of some precious lives.
There appears to be a constant eerie feeling about the simmering Bawku conflict and the main undercurrent borders on the ethnic differences between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis.
Bawku presents the puzzle of a modern-day conflict fought with strategies that are so steeped in the past — crude and brutal; a conflict that has so far defied the most comprehensive efforts at peace-building.
But although the strategies have so far not yielded the desired result, this is not the time for Ghanaians to give up on Bawku. Indeed, this is the time for well-meaning indigenes of Bawku and Ghanaians in general to find a new zeal for peace-building.
The land of Bawku does not need a divided people filled with bitterness and stewing in ethnic strife. Rather, Bawku is in dire need of a united people who will, in a concerted manner, wage war against poverty and deprivation.
Bawku is not a hopeless case; the people of Bawku, zealous and passionate as they may be, can have their energies channelled towards a more worthy cause.
But, first, they need to be told in no uncertain terms that their destiny lies in their own hands. They also need to be told that no community ever develops in an environment of insecurity and constant conflict.
It is quite worrying that despite the numerous development challenges the people of Bawku face, there are still some lawless people there who appear to find pleasure in bizarre violent escapades and do not seem the least bothered when their violent activities draw back the clock of development.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes this is the time for all the people of Bawku of different intellectual shades, social status and ethnic belonging to rise with a common voice and denounce the acts of the violent few.
Everywhere in the world, knowledge has been the main driver of development, yet the children and youth of Bawku can do very little to educate themselves in an environment of constant conflict.
It is sad to note that money that should have been channelled into development initiatives in Bawku and other areas is being spent to resolve the conflict.
We urge all Ghanaians not to lose hope in Bawku but rather continue to support the efforts of the government, non- governmental organisations and other well-meaning Ghanaians to resolve the conflict.
The horrible situation must be a big scar on our conscience as a people and as a nation and we must move heaven and earth to bring peace to Bawku.
This is a task that must be accomplished.
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