The Upper East Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, has called on individuals who fled Bawku due to conflict to begin returning, expressing optimism that peace is steadily being restored to the area.
Dr. Bin Salih made the appeal during his address at the Samanpiid festival in Bawku, where he spoke to the chiefs and people of the Kusaug traditional area.
The Samanpiid festival, which marks the end of the harvest season for the Kusasi ethnic group, includes sacrifices to God, ancestors, and the gods of the land for guidance.
This year’s festival, held at the Daduri Catholic Park, was significant as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of Zugraan, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II. The event attracted dignitaries, including a high-powered delegation from the Asantehene.
In his speech, Dr. Bin Salih expressed hope for the region’s recovery, urging those displaced by the conflict to return now that normalcy is gradually being restored.
He emphasized the role of the community in ensuring lasting peace: “Nobody can bring peace to Bawku, it is you and me who can bring peace to Bawku,” he said.
The regional minister also acknowledged the temporary security measures in place, such as curfews and bans on motor riding.
The overlord of the Kusaug traditional area, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, echoed Dr. Bin Salih’s call for the creation of a new region in the Bawku area, a matter of ongoing local concern.
Celebrants at the festival expressed joy over the peaceful event and the hopeful outlook for the future of Bawku.
Dominic Mbang is a resident of the United Kingdom who joined the people of the area for the festival. He emphasised the relevance of peace to the people and indicated the Curfew imposed on the area is necessary but evil.
“The curfew is very unfair to the people of Bawku, even though it is to our advantage for peace to continue. But I hope that when the new administration takes over on January 7, we hope that they will normalize things and there won’t be a curfew in Bawku,” he added.
