The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has condemned recent violent clashes between police and the youth in Bawku, which have reportedly led to fatalities and injuries, as well as an attack on his private residence.

In a statement issued while on official duty outside the country, the MP expressed his sympathies to those affected by the violence and appealed for calm amid rising tensions over the prolonged Bawku conflict.

“Whilst attending an official assignment out of the country, I have learnt about fatal violent encounters between the police and the youth in Bawku and a subsequent vandalization and attempt to burn my private residence in Bawku in anger,” he said.

The MP acknowledged the deep-seated frustration among the youth regarding the slow pace of resolving the Bawku and Kusaug conflict, as well as concerns over the conduct of some law enforcement officers.

“I understand the anger and frustration of the youth about the pace of the resolution of the situation in Bawku and Kusaug and the misconduct of some misguided law enforcement officers. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government remains committed to its promise to ensure justice and lasting peace. My condolences to the bereaved and sympathies to the injured.”

He reaffirmed his support for the ongoing peace efforts being mediated by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, emphasizing that the process has the backing of key traditional authorities in the region.

“In this regard, I will urge all of us to remain committed to the peace process being led by His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The Overlord of Kusaug, Zugran Naaba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Overlord of Mamprugu Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga have committed themselves to the process and are fully participating.”

The MP assured his constituents of his unwavering commitment to resolving the long-standing dispute in accordance with Ghana’s laws and judicial decisions, which, he said, must be respected and enforced.

“I want to assure the people of Bawku and Kusaug, whom I represent, that I remain resolute and committed to a lasting resolution of the matter according to the well-established laws and judicial decisions of Ghana, which must ultimately be respected and enforced.”

He also dismissed what he described as a coordinated smear campaign against him on social media, calling on the public to disregard “lies being told” by political opponents.

“Kindly disregard the lies being told about me by political detractors and people seeking shamelessly to take advantage of the current unfortunate situation in Bawku and Kusaug to settle personal electoral political scores. The smear campaign on social media will not distract me. In the end, we will be vindicated.”

Reaffirming his long-standing position on the chieftaincy dispute, the MP said, “My personal position on the matter has been known to all over the years and has never changed. It won’t change. I agree with the youth of Kusaug that another person cannot reside in Bawku claiming to be chief. But in reverence to the great Asante Stool, I leave that matter to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to resolve expeditiously. The law enforcement officers must be cautious.”