The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned a smear campaign targeting him on social media, stating that such distractions will not deter him from his commitment to peace in Bawku. 

His remarks come in the wake of fresh violent clashes between the police and the youth in the troubled area, which reportedly led to an attempt to burn down his private residence.

In a press statement issued on Friday, 11 April, Mr Ayariga, who is currently out of the country on official assignment, expressed concern over the situation in his constituency. 

“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 stated. 

He also conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and extended sympathy to the injured.

Reaffirming his support for the ongoing peace process, Ayariga called on residents of Bawku and Kusaug to remain committed to the mediation efforts led by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. 

He noted that both the Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, Overlord of Kusaug, and the Nayiri Naa Bɔhagu Mahami Sheriga, Overlord of Mamprugu, were fully participating in the peace dialogue.

“I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug, that I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana,” he added. 

He urged the public to disregard politically motivated falsehoods and stressed that no amount of defamation would derail his focus. 

“The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated.