Security analyst Dr. Adam Bonaa has pointed out that continuous dialogue among stakeholders could have helped resolve the unending conflict in Bawku.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Dr. Bonaa revealed how he was part of a delegation sent to Bawku for dialogue and successfully engaged with key traditional leaders to reach an agreement aimed at ensuring peace in Bawku for three months.
“I was part of the delegation that went to Bawku in 2022. We met the key persons from the Kusasi and Mamprusi sides and they both promised to give us three months, and in that period we won’t hear a bird being killed,” he said.
According to him, the people of Bawku kept their word and for three months, there were no conflicts in the community.
“For three months nothing happened so if we had sustained the dialogues, we wouldn’t have been where we are today.”
Following up on the plans for continued dialogues, Dr. Bonaa said he was surprised to learn that there was no money to continue the discussions.
“When I enquired why subsequent visits cannot take place, I was told there was no money,” he said.
“The only thing that didn’t happen was the continuous dialogue. Sometimes you need a sustained dialogue for people to understand that they should stop the fighting,” he added.
Dr. Bonaa questioned how significant financial resources are being allocated to address the Bawku conflict, yet there seems to be little impact on the actual issues.
“Recently, we are told that so much money is being spent in Bawku. Who is managing the security purse in Bawku? So somebody is benefiting from the carnage that is taking place in Bawku,” he stressed.
Watch Dr Bonaa’s interview with GhanaWeb below:
MAG/ ADG