Indigenes of Bawku residing in the Ashanti Region have signed a peace pact to prevent the protracted Kusaasi–Mamprusi conflict from spilling over into Kumasi.
The agreement, facilitated by the Ashanti Regional Security Council, followed recent violent clashes in Asawase and Asokore Mampong that left two people dead, including a local chief. The incidents raised fears that the Bawku conflict could ignite fresh unrest in Kumasi.
While the Asantehene-led committee continues efforts to bring lasting peace to Bawku, regional security authorities are working to avert clashes among migrants from the conflict-affected area.
A seven-member mediation committee, made up of representatives of various security agencies, first held separate meetings with both the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions before bringing them together in a joint session. This culminated in the symbolic signing of a peace pact at the Ashanti Regional Police Command on Thursday.
Head of Public Relations at the Ashanti Regional Police Command, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, described the development as a crucial step to safeguard lives and maintain calm.
“Recently, we had some disturbances in Asawase and its enclave, with people trading accusations. So the Regional Coordinating Council, led by the Regional Minister, set up a committee to meet the two groups — the Kusasi and the Mamprusi. After hearing from them, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure peaceful coexistence in the region,” he explained.
Leaders of both factions pledged to uphold the peace pact and counsel their followers accordingly.
Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman of the Mamprusi Youth Association, Tufeiru, stressed: “Today’s meeting was to sign a peace treaty agreement between the Mamprusis and the Kusasis, and we have done so. We have been tasked to go home and advise our people to see each other as brothers and sisters.”
Chairman of the Kusasi Chiefs Association in the Ashanti Region, Naaba Winyellesom Ndeego, also assured: “We are not importing any conflict from Bawku into the Ashanti Region. We are here for business, and we have agreed that each community will conduct its activities peacefully without violence.”
Security officials further urged both factions to provide timely information to help prevent any future violence.
Source: Adomonline
