National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has expressed profound concern over renewed tensions in Bawku, following the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile.

This latest resurgence of the long-standing chieftaincy dispute has already led to two deaths and multiple injuries, raising alarm among residents and leaders.

Addressing supporters on Monday, 28 October 2024, in Saboba as part of his Northern regional tour, the NDC flagbearer urged all parties to exercise restraint and to reject any provocation toward violence.

He reiterated his commitment to establishing peace in Bawku should he win the upcoming elections, stressing the nation’s inability to progress without stability.

“Without peace, there cannot be progress. Unfortunately, any time the peace of Ghana will be disturbed, it is the NPP government that is in power. Recently, I have been hearing some things happening in Bawku that appear to be threatening to disturb the peace there,” Mr. Mahama stated.

He called on the residents of Bawku and surrounding areas to remain calm, warning that external influences may be stoking the fires of ethnic division.

Emphasising the importance of patience, Mr. Mahama pledged that an NDC government would prioritise peace-building in Bawku, fostering stability for the benefit of the entire community.

“I will just appeal to the people of the Bawku area and all those who are stakeholders in what is happening there to exercise patience and exercise restraint,” he continued. “We know that some sinister hands are trying to stoke the fires of ethnic conflict. They should not allow themselves to be provoked into violence. And so, please, the people of the Bawku area, I’m begging you, pleading with you to remain calm, be restrained, and don’t resort to conflict. NDC is coming, and when we come, we will make sure that there’s peace in Bawku and surrounding areas.”

In a pointed remark toward political opponents, the NDC flagbearer also cautioned against unreliable leadership, stating: “The most dangerous person to avoid is a person who says one thing and does another thing, the most dangerous person is someone who says something today and says something tomorrow.”

He added: “The most dangerous person is someone you cannot trust.”