Presidential spokesperson, Mahama Ayariga has described as historic President Mills’ mediation between the Bawku Naba and the Mamprusi leader, Alhaji Akalifa.

The meeting was held at the Upper West Regional capital, Wa on Friday as part of the president’s four day official visit to the Northern Regions of Ghana.

“It has never happened that a president has brought the two sides together under the same roof to discuss the matter, to agree on what to do to move the peace process forward,” an obviously elated Ayariga said in an interview with Joy News on Friday.

The Mamprusis and the Kusasis have traded in violent clashes in recent past which has led to needless loss of life and property.

Ayariga insisted President Mills’ failure to go to Bawku in person to mediate between the two factions is a non issue, especially in the face of the huge success chalked.

Ex-president Kufuor came under intense criticisms from critics including the then opposition National Democratic Congress for his failing to go to Bawku to restore peace.

“The need to go to Bawku arose at a time when there was intense fighting, and the belief was then that if somebody at a high level position went there he would be able to get the two feuding parties to cease fire,” the presidential spokesperson said.

He added that the vice-president, John Mahama at the behest of President Mills went to broker peace in Bawku as a precursor to this historic meeting.
A security analyst at the West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP), Emmanuel Bombande applauded the efforts government was putting in to restore peace between the two factions.

He said “today’s meeting sends a signal that it is possible for the two to rise above their differences” adding, there is the need to sustain the momentum to ensure lasting peace.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline

Source: myjoyonline – JoyFM Online