The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has advised the public, particularly politicians, to exercise caution when making comments on the Bawku conflict. 

That, he said, was because irresponsible comments could whip up sentiments and potentially derail the ongoing peace process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Mr Ibrahim said this in Accra last Monday when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs paid a courtesy call on him to ascertain the progress made so far by the ministry in various quarters.

He said making comments highlighted the sensitivity of the Bawku conflict, which has been ongoing for some years now, and added that the conflict, primarily between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities, had resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of people.

He argued that with the progress made so far, Ghanaians must be circumspect in their utterances and support the efforts being made by the government in resolving the long-standing conflict.

On the ongoing peace efforts, the minister commended the role of the Asantehene in facilitating dialogue and progress in resolving the conflict.

He said the Asantehene's efforts had been instrumental in bringing stakeholders together and fostering a conducive environment for peace.

“The Asantehene's involvement in the peace process has been widely recognised, and his efforts have contributed significantly to the progress made so far. As the peace process continues, stakeholders must be guided as well as the public, so that a lasting resolution to the conflict will be achieved,” he said.

Visit

The engagement with the Ministry of Local Government formed part of a series of visits by the committee to ministries, agencies and associations over which they have oversight responsibility. 

The committee was led by its Chairman, Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah.

Other members of the committee who joined in the visit were its Vice-Chairman, Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah; the Ranking Member, Laadi Ayii Ayamba; Emelia Arthur, Prof. Hamza Adam, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba and Sulemana Yussif. 

Commendation

At the meeting, Dr Asamoah expressed his gratitude to the minister for opening his doors to the committee for deliberation on matters of concern.

He lauded the minister's willingness to engage with the committee, stating that the collaboration would help address key issues affecting the sector.

He affirmed that the committee was committed to helping the ministry in formulating and passing the necessary legislation to improve local governance, chieftaincy, and religious affairs in the country.

The chairman of the committee indicated that the visit reflected a positive step towards improving local governance, chieftaincy, and religious affairs, saying that “this collaborative effort is expected to lead to meaningful legislative support and sector development”.

He urged the minister to maintain a close relationship with the committee and inform them regularly on developments in the sector, especially on matters regarding chieftaincy disputes and religious affairs, to help develop the needed legislation to support their efforts.