Speaker of Parliament has summoned the Ministers for National Security, Defense and Interior to come and brief the House on the security situation in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu gave the directive on Thursday, March 17th 2022 following an application by Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mohammed, after reports of renewed clashes in the Upper East Regional capital.
Recent disturbances have led to exchanges of gunfire between security agents and residents with a couple of people reported dead.
The Ministers, Albert Kan Dapaah, Dominic Nitiwul and Ambrose Dery respectively are expected to update the House on the situation and how it is being brought under control.
Making the application, the Minority Whip referred to an urgent need for the heads of the security apparatus to be invited to the House to brief members.
He warned if urgent measures are not taken to bring the situation under control immediately and find a lasting resolution to the ongoing violence, it might escalate.
He disclosed that Members of Parliament from that region are even being very cautious about their comments because of fear of inflaming further passions and incurring the chagrin of one of the feuding parties or the other.
He said, “In fact, even our colleagues from the enclave are scared to be heard talking about it because of the delicate nature of what is happening and the brutalities that are said to be happening in that enclave.”
“I thought that as a House we should be interested to get the Ministers of Interior, Defense, and National Security, even if it is a closed sitting where they can brief this House, for us to know exactly some of the things that are happening and what steps are being taken to manage the difficulties.”
Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Suhiyini Alhassan Sayibu, warned the situation is very volatile judging from the incessant calls that came through his phone after he discussed the Bawku conflict during a programme on Metro TV.
He said, “Mr. Speaker, I am getting calls from people who represent the different views that have led to the conflict in the area and it indicates the situation is even more serious than initially believed and should not be joked with.”
Parliament, he said, is the best institution to lead the way to find a solution to the violence even if it is just temporary.
He disclosed that the conduct of security agents stationed there is also worsening an already volatile region and has become a threat to the security situation.
Mr. Suhiyini acknowledged the conflict in Bawku has historical antecedents but stressed the current situation requires immediate attention and expressed support for the Whip.
Majority Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh also expressed support for the Minority Whip’s call and stressed Parliament cannot leave the matter to die naturally.
He, however, called for caution and stated the situation demands sober reflection for a lasting solution because of its sensitivity and advised for close door briefing from the Ministers in order strategically plan how to deal with it.
Source: Mypublisher24.com