Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the recent violent clashes between police and youth in Bawku, which have reportedly led to deaths, injuries, and an attack on his private residence.
In a statement released while on official duty outside the country, Ayariga expressed deep concern over the growing unrest and sympathized with victims of the conflict.
“Whilst attending an official assignment out of the country, I have learnt about fatal violent encounters between the police and the youth in Bawku and a subsequent vandalization and attempt to burn my private residence in Bawku in anger,” the MP stated.
“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth about the pace of the resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug and the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers,” he said, assuring constituents of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s commitment to peace and justice.
Ayariga reaffirmed his support for the peace process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and lauded the involvement of traditional leaders, including Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II of Kusaug and Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga of Mamprugu.
“In this regard, I will urge all of us to remain committed to the peace process being led by His Majesty the Asantehene,” he said.
The MP also pledged unwavering support for a legal and lasting resolution to the conflict.
“I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana, which must ultimately be respected and enforced,” he said.
Responding to growing political attacks, Ayariga dismissed what he described as a “smear campaign” targeting him on social media.
“Kindly disregard the lies being told about me by political detractors… The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated,” he declared.
On the controversial chieftaincy dispute, Ayariga stood firm on his position, backing the youth’s stance and deferring the matter to the Asantehene’s mediation.
“My personal position on the matter has been known to all over the years and has never changed. It won’t change… But in reverence to the great Asante Stool, I leave that matter to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to resolve expeditiously,” he said, while cautioning law enforcement against exacerbating the situation.
The MP’s statement comes at a time when tensions in the Bawku area remain high, with residents calling for urgent and impartial interventions to restore peace.
