The Mamprusis in Bawku have agreed to return to the Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee (lEPC) to enhance collective efforts in search of peace.
The decision was taken at the end of a-two-day stakeholders round table consultations on the search for lasting peace in Bawku in Kumasi from May 8-9.
The participants included leaders from various communities in Bawku and its environs, Upper East Region Caucus of Members of Parliament, Northern Development Forum [NDF], National Peace Council [NPC] and other civil
society partners.
It was organised by the management of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding.
A statement issued in Accra on Monday and signed by Ms Esther Gordon-Mensah
Administrative Manager for the Network, said "We appreciate and applaud the decision".
It said Upper East Region Caucus of Members of Parliament had affirmed their commitment to support the search for peace in Bawku.
The statement said: "They have accordingly pledged to contribute GH¢10,000 in support of the work of the Committee.
"We commit ourselves to use the forum of the Committee and the NPC to dialogue and address issues pertaining to peace in Bawku. We appeal to
Government and other stakeholders to support the Committee to function efficiently.
The statement said that the Committee should refer to the NPC as well as Bawku Municipal Security Council and Upper East Regional Security Council on matters of peace and security in Bawku
It said that the stakeholders resolved to set aside a specific day for prayers by all religious bodies in Bawku (Christians, Muslims and Traditionalists).
The statement said the day should be determined through consultation of relevant stakeholders on the Committee, to reinforce their commitment to peace, restore confidence for a return to commercial and farming activities as well as access to other services such as education, health and banking.
On the underlying issue of chieftaincy, the stakeholders agreed that at all times; they should shall refer and adhere to the appropriate
institutions for redress and settlement.
"With reference to the meeting of Bawku Naba and his elders on one hand and Mr. Kalifa Bugri and Mamprusi elders on the other with President John Evans Atta Mills, at Bolgatanga in May 2009 and the subsequent submission of key documents by both sides in relation to the Bawku Chieftaincy, we request Government to apprise the two parties of their submissions, "the statement said.
On funding and sustaining the search for peace in Bawku, the stakeholders, requested government to assist by supporting amongst others
the Committee and other relevant peace initiatives.
The statement said that the stakeholders requested all community stakeholders in their efforts to find lasting peace to ensure harmonisation and collaboration of programmes in the Bawku Traditional area (Garu Tempane, Bawku West and Bawku Municipality)
"The three assemblies in the Bawku Traditional Area should continue their efforts in supporting the peace process," it said.
The stakeholders acknowledged the people of Bawku with much appreciation the role of government and particularly the security agencies
in maintaining peace notwithstanding the challenges.
"The people of Bawku continue to appreciate the support of development partners in the search for durable peace and urge their continuous to effort in this regard, "the statement said.