The Bawku Municipal Assembly in the Upper East Region, has over the years been spending an average of 20,000 Ghana cedis monthly on peacekeeping operations and conflict resolution.

Mr Issaku Bukari, Chairman of the Bawku Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) who is also the Municipal Chief Executive, disclosed this last Tuesday during the re-inauguration of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee at Bawku.

As a result of the protracted conflicts in Bawku and its environs, the National Security Secretariat (NSS) deployed some security agencies including police and military personnel to the area to protect life and property.

The cost of providing extra fuel for their operations, as well as payments made to informants who offer tip-offs, are borne by the Assembly.

Mr Bukari stated that on the average, the Assembly spent about 20,000 Ghana Cedis monthly from its internally generated funds (IGF) on these and other expenses, which made it difficult for the Assembly to embark on other development projects in the area.

He added that the protracted conflict had also denied the area of financial opportunities and retarded growth since the Assembly had to channel its resources into the peacekeeping effort.

Mr James Zuugah Tiigah, Upper East Regional Minister, who is also a native of the area, inaugurated the committee and charged it to ensure that peace returned to the area permanently for the sake of development.

He noted that the return of peace would enable the Assembly to spend its revenue solely on development projects.

He noted that investors and other development partners would troop to the area to invest, thereby enabling the Assembly to generate more revenue to improve the quality of life of the people.

The Minister expressed regret that conflicts brought about a retrogression in the fortunes of the Municipality, and recalled the past when the area was once noted for its vibrant business environment.

He called on the people of Bawku to put the unfortunate disputes of the past behind them and bring the area back to its enviable status.

The Chairman of the Regional Peace Council, Naba Sigri Bewong, reminded the people of the need to invest in peace, and urged them not to allow it to move out of the area.

He called on the people to cooperate fully with the security agencies to promote peace and development.