Wednesday, 10 December

PNC calls for inclusion of all political parties in Bawku mediation report presentation

Politics
Mr Samson Awingobit Asak

National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Mr Samson Awingobit Asaki, has urged the government to extend invitations to all political parties ahead of the official presentation of the Bawku Mediation Report to President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, December 11.

The report, expected to be presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II—who has led a months-long national peace process—seeks to provide a roadmap for restoring lasting peace to Bawku and its surrounding areas.

Although several major institutions and dignitaries have reportedly been invited, including the National House of Chiefs, National Peace Council, Christian Council of Ghana, Office of the Chief Imam, Catholic Secretariat, UNDP, British High Commission, Regional Ministers, and the National Security Coordinator, the list has not made room for political parties.

Mr. Asaki believes this omission undermines national ownership of the peace process.

“The Bawku conflict has national implications, and political parties are essential stakeholders in peacebuilding and governance,” he argued.

“If this presentation is to carry full national legitimacy, then all political traditions, big or small, must be present.

Government should correct this immediately and give the process a genuinely national character.”

The PNC Chairman emphasised that political parties have historically contributed significantly to peace efforts across the country, especially in matters tied to governance, security, and ethnicity.

“We cannot claim to seek lasting peace while excluding major actors whose cooperation is needed to sustain that peace,” he added.

The looming event marks an important step in the high-level mediation initiative chaired by the Asantehene, aimed at resolving the longstanding dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities.

The conflict has persisted for decades, drawing intervention from various governments, security agencies, traditional authorities, and civil society organisations.

Mr. Asaki commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his leadership but insisted that broader political inclusion remains essential as the nation moves toward a decisive phase of the mediation process.

“Peace is a collective responsibility,” he stressed. “If we are truly committed to ending the Bawku conflict once and for all, then every political party must be allowed a seat at the table.”

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah