The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has expressed his condolences to persons affected by the violent incident in Bawku this week.
The Majority Leader condemned the violent clashes between police and the youth in Bawku which led to the death of an individual. Several others also sustained injuries, including two security officials, while property, including that of the police and others, was destroyed.
Reacting to this while away on an official assignment outside Ghana, the Majority Leader appealed for calm amid rising tensions over the prolonged Bawku conflict.
He admitted that there was deep frustration among the youth over how the conflict was being addressed but assured them that the government would deal with the matter.
“Whilst attending an official assignment out of the country, I have learnt about fatal violent encounters between the police and the youth in Bawku and a subsequent vandalisation and attempt to burn my private residence in Bawku in anger,” he said.
“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth about the pace of the resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug and the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government remains committed to its promise to ensure justice and lasting peace. My condolences to the bereaved and sympathies to the injured.”
Meanwhile, the MP has reiterated his commitment towards the efforts to ensure peace in the area which is being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“In this regard, I will urge all of us to remain committed to the peace process being led by His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The Overlord of Kusaug, Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and the Overlord of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga, have committed themselves to the process and are fully participating.”
“I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug, whom I represent, that I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana, which must ultimately be respected and enforced.”
He also dismissed what he described as a coordinated smear campaign against him on social media, calling on the public to disregard “lies being told” by political opponents.
“Kindly disregard the lies being told about me by political detractors and people seeking shamelessly to take advantage of the current unfortunate situation in Bawku and Kusaug to settle personal electoral political scores. The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated.”
