Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has called for calm and unity in the wake of renewed violence in Bawku and its surrounding areas, which has led to multiple fatalities and injuries.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 13, Mr. Agyapong expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions following a violent clash between police and some youth in the Bawku enclave on Thursday, April 10.
The unrest reportedly resulted in casualties and the alleged burning of the private residence of Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga.
He appealed to the youth to remain calm, stressing that no grievance should lead to the loss of life or the destruction of communities.
“I have followed with deep concern the recent escalation of tensions in Bawku and surrounding communities. The recurring violent outbreaks and reprisals rooted in longstanding tribal conflicts, continue to cause pain and instability among our people.
“At this critical moment, I call for calm—especially from the youth. No grievance, however deeply felt, justifies the loss of life or the destruction of our communities. Our peaceful coexistence is the foundation of the prosperity and development we seek, without which we cannot build the Ghana we all desire,” he stated.
Mr. Agyapong also commended President John Dramani Mahama for activating a mediation process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II—an initiative initially launched under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“This is a welcome sign of statesmanship and national unity, one that places Ghana above partisanship,” he noted.
He urged all parties involved in the conflict to support the Otumfuo-led committee in its efforts to restore peace, emphasizing that national unity and progress depend on stability in all parts of the country.
“When there is peace in Bawku, there is peace in Ghana. No part of this country can prosper while another is in pain. Ghana must move forward together,” Mr. Agyapong stated.
Read below the statement by Kennedy Agyapong
“I have followed with deep concern the recent escalation of tensions in Bawku and surrounding communities. The recurring violent outbreaks and reprisals rooted in longstanding tribal conflicts, continue to cause pain and instability among our people.
At this critical moment, I call for calm—especially from the youth. No grievance, however deeply felt, justifies the loss of life or the destruction of our communities. Our peaceful coexistence is the foundation of the prosperity and development we seek, without which we cannot build the Ghana we all desire.
I commend President Mahama for triggering the mediation process led by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, which was initially set up by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This is a welcome sign of statesmanship and national unity, one that places Ghana above partisanship.
I urge all parties to offer the Otumfuo-led committee the necessary support to effectively execute its mandate. It needs stating that when there is peace in Bawku, there is peace in Ghana. No part of this country can prosper while another is in pain. Ghana must move forward together.
Let us all, leaders and citizens alike, play our part in ensuring that lasting peace is restored.
Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong”