Peace Watch Ghana, a non-governmental organisation and advocate for peace and security, has made some suggestions it believes could go a long way in dealing with the Bawku crisis.
The organisation has opposed the deployment of police officers who have ties with any of the factions in the ongoing conflict.
Executive Director Madam Nyonkopa Daniels stated that it is unfortunate that the conflict has travelled for years without any end in sight.
She lamented that a large chunk of the budget for the entire security and safety of the state is being sent to Bawku to deal with the crisis.
According to her, the deployment of police officers or any other security officials should exclude the Kusasis and Mamprusis ethnic groups.
She pointed out that deploying officers from any of the factions will only worsen the crisis, stating that because these officers have ties with the aggrieved parties, they may be compromised.
To address this concern, he has appealed to authorities to deploy officers who have no connection or ties with the two groups.
“The Bawku crisis is a serious national crisis that must be addressed once and for all. At Peace Watch Ghana, we are proposing that officers from the security services that would be deployed should have no ties with the two groups. The security officers that would be deployed should be from different territories or localities,” she noted.
Madam Daniels is also suggesting that women should be excluded from any duties related to the Bawku crisis since, in her opinion, they may be easily influenced by any of the sides.
Additionally, Peace Watch Ghana has proposed that the peace mediation that would be led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II be held in Kumasi.
She claimed the life of the Asantehene would be at risk if he goes to Bawku.
“Looking at the lawlessness and impunity with which they attacked the Inspector General of Police when he visited the area and how they fired shots at his vehicle, they can equally do the same to the traditional leader. It does not show respect to the IGP, police and security agencies. I don’t think we can sacrifice the Asantehene like that. The chiefs from the two sides should also be moved out of the area to minimise the threats.
The security agencies should send armoured vehicles to Bawku and transport the chiefs to Kumasi and keep them there until the mediation process is over,” she added.
Madam Daniels maintained that if these proposals are implemented, it would surely help in addressing the crisis and end the needless deaths that have characterised the conflict.
She called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate and fish out all those who recently shot and killed some police officers and any other individuals.
She concluded by calling on authorities to also exclude all ministers or government appointees who belong to either of the two sides in any meetings or mediation to prevent them from breaching confidentiality.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
