Peace in Bawku is Priority for NDC, Says Flagbearer John Mahama

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, stated that the Bawku conflict halts anytime the NDC takes over the administration of the country.

“If you look at the history, you will find that anytime NDC is in government, there is peace in Bawku and surrounding areas. As soon as we hand over to our brothers, then, trouble starts,” the former President said.

He assured that, given the nod in the upcoming elections, peace in Bawku would be the number one priority of his government. “We are going to work with the Chiefs, the religious leaders, and everybody to make sure that we establish sustainable peace in Bawku.”

The Flagbearer made this statement while addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people at the Pusiga Naba’s Palace in the Pusiga District of the Upper East Region as part of his four-day campaign tour of the Region.

On infrastructural projects, Mr. Mahama informed the people of Pusiga that the Party was conducting an inventory of all abandoned government projects across the country. Due to the economic crisis, his government would not start any new projects but would focus on completing abandoned ones.

He pointed out the presence of unfinished classrooms, administration, and hostel blocks in schools, as well as hospital projects across the country.

“These were built with taxpayers’ money, and if we do not complete them, it means that the money that has been put in there is locked up without giving any service to the people. So, we are going to concentrate and finish all those projects so that we can use them,” he stated.

Although Mr. Mahama emphasized his government’s focus on abandoned projects, he mentioned some critical projects that would be considered. “And one is the road coming to Pusiga. It is very deplorable, and that is a part of the Bawku-Pulmakom road. It is Lot 11 of the Bawku-Pulmakom road. I cut the sod for that road in 2015, and I thought that by the time we come here, the road would have been completed. Unfortunately, when I was coming from Bolga, the Contractor had vacated the site completely.”

“It is obvious that God designed that NDC should come back and finish the road that we started,” the Former President added.

Naba Tambisbaalug Ibrahim Aguri, the Chief of Pusiga, expressed gratitude to the Former President for the projects the district benefited from during his tenure and highlighted that Pusiga was elevated to District status under Mr. Mahama’s leadership.

He acknowledged the establishment of the Pusiga Community Day Senior High School, the initiation of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakum road construction, the building of basic schools, CHPS compounds, rural electrification, and fertilizer subsidy programs under Mr. Mahama’s presidency.

“These initiatives have greatly contributed to the growth and progress of our District, and we remain thankful for your contribution,” the Chief said, appealing to the Flagbearer to complete the unfinished projects if elected again.

Naba Aguri also appealed for the establishment of a market center and a District Police Headquarters to enhance security in the area, especially as the district shares borders with Togo and Burkina Faso.

The Chief noted the historical significance of the 2024 election, as both Flagbearers from the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are from the North, and advised them to conduct their campaigns peacefully.