NPP Accuses NDC of Politicising Bawku Conflict, Urges Non-Partisan Approach

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of politicising the ongoing conflict in Bawku, describing the situation as an “unprecedented crisis.”

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 29, Mr. Kodua alleged that former President John Mahama, during his campaign, attempted to exploit the Bawku conflict for political gain.

He stated, “The then candidate Mahama made several pronouncements and sought to capitalise on the crisis in Bawku by blaming the then government led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, promising that the NDC would resolve the issue if elected.”

Mr. Kodua further claimed that the escalation of tensions leading up to the 2024 general elections points to deliberate efforts by the NDC to inflame ethnic divisions in the region. “Events in Bawku prior to the 2024 elections indicate that the NDC orchestrated several tribal issues, contributing to the crisis we are witnessing today,” he added.

Despite the accusations, the NPP General Secretary emphasized his party’s commitment to national unity and peace. He assured the public that the NPP is willing to collaborate with the current government to find a sustainable solution.

“For the sake of democracy and the lives affected, we are ready to support the government in its peace-building efforts in Bawku,” Mr. Kodua affirmed.

He urged the NDC to treat the situation with seriousness and refrain from politicising it, calling on the government to adopt a non-partisan approach in resolving the long-standing conflict.

“We are appealing to the NDC government to view this issue as a matter of national interest, free from political interference,” he said.

Bawku, in Ghana’s Upper East Region, has endured decades of ethnic strife, with recent years seeing a resurgence in violence that has drawn concern from civil society and security experts.