The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is engaging stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the prolonged ethnic conflict in the Upper East region town of Bawku.
He said inhabitants of the border town could be exposed to various security threats, including the entry of extremists from Ghana’s northern neighbour, Burkina Faso.
“I have had meetings with the national security minister to see how best I can be of help,” the Asantehene said during a visit by the US ambassador to Ghana at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
“I will speak to the paramount chief of the Mamprugu people and the Bawku Na Ba to find a way to resolve this. I feel that what is happening in Burkina Faso is porous, and if we are not careful, the porosity of the border will come back to Ghana.”
“We do not have the ability to check what is happening. That is why I’m asking the national security minister to give proper intelligence training to control the borders with all the terrorist attacks threats,” he said.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has appealed to the Overlord of the Mamprugu traditional area, and president of the North East Regional House of Chiefs, Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga to help restore lasting peace in Bawku.
He said the persistent violence and killings in the Bawku traditional area are unacceptable and must end.
The president was speaking in Nalerigu as part of his tour of the North East Region.
“Mahama was very instrumental among the three eminent chiefs in bringing us to have peace in Dagbon and I know he is also going to be instrumental in making sure that we get peace in Bawku.”
Recent tensions in Bawku have led to several persons being wounded, with some losing their lives.