In the midst of tensions surrounding Bawku, security analyst Emmanuel Kotin is urging political parties—especially the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP)—to steer clear of politicizing efforts aimed at restoring peace in the troubled region.
His remarks come in the wake of public backlash following comments made by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno. During a recent visit to the area, the IGP stated that youth from Bawku would be prioritised for recruitment into the Ghana Police Service—provided they lay down their arms and embrace peace.
The statement, which has since sparked criticism from the Minority in Parliament, prompted Kotin to voice his concerns on Hot Edition on 3FM with Alfred Ocansey.
“Today, you realise that just a simple question was asked of the IGP, and in response, he said he would prioritise employing Bawku youths into the Police Service. The Minority held a press conference as a result. These pressers are increasingly becoming one-two minute stunts and are losing their intended effect,” Kotin said.
He praised the IGP’s approach to handling the conflict, describing it as both sensitive and diplomatic.
“To me, the IGP has taken policing to another level by bringing diplomacy to bear, being mindful of the cultural and emotional sensitivities, given the heavy losses on both sides,” he explained.
Kotin also questioned the political undertones of the backlash, stating that the IGP’s comments were about all Bawku youth, not any one ethnic group.
“When he said he would prioritise youth, did he say Kusasi or Mamprusi? Are they not all from Bawku?” he asked. “It’s not everything we must play politics with. People have suffered for far too long.”
