The National Media Commission (NMC) has called on journalists to take an active role in promoting peace and stability in Bawku, where ongoing conflicts have disrupted the community’s safety and development.
In a statement, NMC Chair Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo emphasized that the media’s role in peace-building is crucial, as their coverage can either inflame tensions or contribute to reconciliation efforts.
Speaking to journalists at a training workshop in the Ashanti Region, Ayeboafo highlighted the responsibility of the media in shaping public perception and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He pointed out that any conflict in one part of Ghana impacts the entire country.
“Any problem in any part of Ghana is a problem that affects every one of us,” Ayeboafo stated. “We cannot sit in Kumasi or Accra and presume that it won’t affect us, because we don’t know when we may need to travel through those areas.”
He emphasized that the violence in Bawku is not isolated and can have far-reaching consequences. He used the example of the Bolgatanga-Walewale road to illustrate how conflicts can have a broader impact, urging journalists to be mindful of the wider repercussions of their reporting.
The workshop, attended by journalists from across the region, focused on conflict-sensitive reporting, urging the media to contribute to dialogue and understanding rather than escalating divisions.
Ayeboafo also encouraged collaboration between media outlets, local leaders, peace advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure balanced and responsible coverage.
The goal, he said, is to emphasize unity and community well-being, both in Bawku and throughout the country.
This call for peace comes amid a recent resurgence of violence in Bawku, sparked by the return of Seidu Abagre, a rival chief installed by the Nayiri.
Abagre had been in exile after a warrant was issued for his arrest in February 2023 due to the controversy surrounding his installation.
However, a High Court in Kumasi overturned the arrest warrant on October 17, 2024, clearing the way for his return.
Abagre’s arrival on October 26 reignited a long-standing chieftaincy dispute, leading to gunfire exchanges that resulted in two deaths and several injuries, further highlighting the urgent need for peace in the region.
