Gov't gives amnesty to Bawku residents to return guns for cash

Government has announced amnesty for residents of Bawku in the Upper East Region who return all illegal weapons in their possession.

Interior Minister, Mark Woyongo announced the decision Wednesday at Nasia in the West Mamprusi District of the Northern Region, on his way to Bawku to dialogue with factions in the protracted conflict there.

Recent clashes in the area have claimed at least three lives.

This is a major approach to finding lasting peace in the area which has witnessed sporadic violence due to raging chieftaincy conflicts.

Mr. Woyongo, who once served as regional minister for Upper East, cautioned that failure to comply with the directive before the yet-to-be-determined deadline elapses, would compel government to deal with persons unlawfully concealing weapons.

The deadline will be discussed after meetings with National Security Secretariat, the Interior Minister stated.

“After the expiration of the amnesty, we will then embark on a massive campaign to get rid of those weapons and those who will be found with weapons will face the full rigours of the law,” he signaled.

Mr. Woyongo made a “special plea” to the Nayiri, elders and people of Bawku to “help me to establish permanent peace in Bawku”

“Those of you who have friends and relations in Bawku please help me to get peace in that area,” he begged.

Meanwhile, Mr. Woyongo has charged police to work hard and gain the trust of residents of Bawku because it has emerged that police personnel there allegedly expose whistleblowers.

According to him, the lack of trust between the police and the residents makes it difficult for the police to get useful information from natives. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | [email protected]