“Bawku Conflict: Universal Friendship Organisation Calls for Urgent National Intervention”

Story by Fada Amakye from Daily Sun online

The Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO), led by CEO Samuel Adobah, has condemned the ongoing violence in Bawku, calling for immediate national intervention to address the crisis. The conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis has claimed numerous lives, including innocent civilians, children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, with many more at risk.

The UFO describes the situation as a national emergency, emphasizing that the worsening security situation is unacceptable and demands collective action. “We cannot remain silent while our fellow citizens suffer,” the organisation stated, urging peace advocacy groups, faith leaders, and traditional authorities to take decisive action.

The UFO is calling on prominent peace-building institutions and leaders to rise above passivity and take bold steps toward reconciliation and sustainable peace. “Their silence and perceived inaction are eroding public trust and undermining their credibility,” the organisation noted.

To effectively address the crisis, the UFO recommends:

1.Preventing the influx of illicit arms and ammunition to curb violence.

2.Providing national security forces with the necessary resources to suppress violence.

3.Disarming individuals and groups in illegal possession of weapons.

The UFO believes that restoring peace in Bawku requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders, including peace-promoting institutions, NGOs, traditional leaders, youth organisations, and faith-based groups. “Now is the time for all to assume collective responsibility for restoring peace in Bawku,” the organisation emphasized.

The Bawku conflict has been ongoing for decades, with recent outbreaks of violence resulting in significant loss of life and displacement.

The Ghana Armed Forces have launched peace enforcement operations in the area, and the government has imposed curfews in Bawku and Nalerigu.