Fresh violence in Bawku, more lives lost

Accra, March 11, GNA - Renewed fighting in Bawku on Monday night has claimed at least two lives. A number of houses were also burnt down.

Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, Deputy Minister of the Interior, on Tuesday told Parliament that the tense situation in Bawku had changed for the worse.

The Deputy Minister said a statement, scheduled to be read to the House from the Ministry had to be suspended to get fresh information and further recommendation from security forces on the ground in the conflict area.

"I don't intend to go on with the statement that I would have presented to the House. I will go back to review the situation and speak to the forces on the ground and inform the House in a day or two, on what the Ministry intends to do," Mr Hammond said.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu (NDC-Tamale South) in a contribution said; "we are all deeply distressed by the developments in Bawku". He, however, expressed disappointment that the Deputy Minister was not adequately informed.

Mr Iddrisu said the Ministry should at every moment be informed adequately on the situation, adding, that it was necessary to look for key answers and lasting solutions, while upholding justice and the respect for rule of law.

The Tamale South MP recalled a peace agreement, the Damongo Accord, signed in respect of the conflict, and called for a return to the peace table to broker peace among the Mamprusis, Kusasis and other ethnic groups involved in the conflict.

Mr John Akparibo Ndebugri, (PNC-Zebilla), who described himself as official spokesman for the Kusasis, said it appeared armed robbers were taking advantage of the situation in Bawku to harass the people.