The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has dismissed calls for a state of emergency to be declared in Bawku and its surrounding areas, following renewed violence that erupted on Thursday, April 10.
The resurgence of conflict in the area has led to multiple fatalities and injuries, including the killing of two police officers.
In response, several stakeholders and concerned residents have called on the government to impose emergency measures to restore order.
However, Minister Akamugri insists the situation does not meet the threshold for such drastic intervention.
“Declaring a state of emergency in Bawku and its environs is not necessary because it is not an all-war situation. It is not like sporadic where every day they are fighting each other. It is an instance that sparks up issues, and it is brought under control. So, why will [we] declare a state of emergency?” he stated.
He emphasized that the violence, though troubling, is not widespread or sustained enough to justify a state of emergency.
The Minister instead called for a unified approach to ending the long-standing conflict.
“We need to resolve the Bawku conflict, and so anyone with ideas on how this can be done should come to our aid so we can lay this matter to rest and bring peace to people,” he appealed.
Efforts to de-escalate the tension, he said, are ongoing, and he urged local leaders and residents to contribute to long-term peace strategies for the region.
Source: The Ghana Report
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