MP for Zebilla Constituency, Cletus Avoka speaking during an interview
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Zebilla Constituency, Cletus Avoka, has expressed hope that President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, when he assumes power, will mark a turning point in resolving the Bawku conflict.
In a video shared on X by GHOne TV, he emphasised the critical need for a new approach to address the conflict and restore normalcy to the area.
“We are hopeful that as soon as John Mahama takes over, the security challenge will be reduced to a minimum, allowing us to focus on development issues. The challenge we face in the Bawku area, across the six constituencies, is due to the conflict,” he stated.
According to the MP, the conflict has shifted priorities from development to security, with severe consequences for local infrastructure, businesses, and daily life.
He explained that the ongoing conflict in Bawku has severely hindered development in the region. The effects of the conflict are visible in every aspect of life.
While roads remain intact, critical institutions like the Bawku Hospital are not functioning, financial institutions have closed down, and the once-vibrant Bawku market has collapsed.
“Development is being hindered because of the conflict. Government machinery and resources are being diverted to maintain peacekeepers in Bawku, with a large number of soldiers, policemen, and national security personnel stationed there. Instead of focusing on development, we are forced to deal with security issues,” he said.
“The road infrastructure is intact, but the Bawku Hospital has become a ghost hospital. The Bawku market has collapsed, and financial institutions have closed. Life has come to a standstill in Bawku for four years. The people of Bawku have been under curfew, with curfew hours from 6 pm to 6 am, which is inhumane. People cannot ride motorbikes in Bawku. They cannot do business. People cannot wear smocks or express their customs and traditions. This is uncalled for,” he added.
Watch the video below:
I hope that as soon as John Mahama is sworn in as president, the security challenges in Bawku will be reduced to a bare minimum… – Cletus Avoka (MP, Zebilla constituency)#StarrFM #StarrNews#EIBNetwork #NewsAlert#CAFShouldPaySpiky pic.twitter.com/UcDXlBmnRn
— Starr 103.5 FM (@starr1035fm) December 31, 2024
RAD/MA
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