A member of the National Democratic Congress Communication Team, Stephen Kwadwo Yeboah, has welcomed the Asantehene’s intervention, describing it as a major milestone toward resolving long-standing chieftaincy and land disputes that have stalled development in parts of northern Ghana.
Following the submission of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s report to President John Dramani Mahama, on the restoration of peace in Bawku and its surrounding communities, calls are growing for the government to take concrete steps to consolidate the fragile calm and fast-track development in the area.
Speaking with Ama Konadu host of ‘Ade Akye Abia’ morning show on Sompa FM-Sunyani, Mr. Yeboah said “we can only thank Otumfuo and thank God that at long last we are moving toward a lasting solution.”
“The issues about who should rule and who owns the land have seriously hindered development in that area for far too long,” Mr. Yeboah explained.
According to him, persistent violence and insecurity have made the area unattractive to public servants and investors alike. He cited recent reports of medical doctors refusing postings to the area due to fear for their safety.
“If I were posted there, I wouldn’t go either,” he stated. “You go to bed and the next thing you hear is gunshots. How can anyone work comfortably under such conditions?”
Mr. Yeboah stressed that beyond Otumfuo’s mediation, the government must now step in to reinforce peace with visible security measures and development projects.
He noted that contractors are unwilling to take up government projects such as schools and hospitals in areas plagued by violence, further worsening the underdevelopment of the communities.
“Which contractor will agree to build a school or hospital in a place where there is violence?” he questioned. “Even when government wants to send projects there, they have to rethink, and that slows down progress.”
He welcomed reports that the feuding parties have accepted the peace process and urged them to commit to dialogue rather than violence whenever disagreements arise.
“This is the only way development can come to our towns and communities,” he said, adding that Otumfuo’s handling of the matter has given residents confidence that the cycle of blame and retaliation will end.
Mr. Yeboah concluded with a call for unity, urging all sides to see themselves as one people. “We are from one family. There should be no war between us—only love and peace,” he said.
As calm gradually returns to Bawku and its environs, residents and political actors alike are looking to the government to complement traditional leadership efforts with sustained security presence, reconciliation initiatives, and development interventions to ensure lasting peace.
Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan