Mamprusis and Kusasis agree to live in peace

The two ethnic groups say they are prepared to live in peace now

Mamprusis and Kusasis in Bawku say they are ready to put aside their differences to implement a peace agreement they signed over the weekend.

The leaders say they will cooperate with the security agencies and identify people who commit crimes to be apprehended and prosecuted speedily.

Speaking to Joy News on Monday, the Kusasis said they were prepared to embrace peace if the rival Mamprusi faction will control their youth.

“I speak with confidence on the side of my people; I speak with confidence on the side of the youth of the Kasasi. Let me assure you, our youth are law-abiding, they are peaceful people and there has not been any time they would like to engage unless they are pushed to the wall. We will do our part as the youth leaders of the Kasasis and we expected the Mamprusis to do the same,” David Adoliba, one of those who lead the Kusasis in the negotiations said.

The area has over the years been embroiled in a deep-seated mix of ethno-political conflict which has led to the loss of many lives.

A Mamprusi community leader Razak Bugri who also played an important role in the peace process described the agreement as the best thing to ever happen to Bawku.

“On our side we are committed to it and we think that if everybody else is committed to it like we are that will be the best chance for peace in Bawku and then if that happens we can pat ourselves in the back and say we were part of the process that brought about peace in Bawku,” he indicated.

Experts including officials of the West African Network for Peace Building who facilitated the process say they are confident the agreement will pave way for lasting peace in Bawku despite the obvious difficulties.