By Charles McCarthy, Accra
@mccarthy4uall@gmail.com
Security analyst Emmanuel Kotin has called on Ghana’s political parties, particularly the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), to refrain from politicising efforts aimed at restoring peace in Bawku, following recent criticisms directed at the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Speaking during a telephone interview, Kotin defended the IGP’s recent remarks during his tour of Bawku, where he pledged to prioritise the area’s youth in future police recruitment drives as part of broader peacebuilding efforts.
“The IGP has taken policing to another level by bringing diplomacy to bear, being mindful of the cultural and emotional sensitivities, given the heavy losses on both sides,” Kotin added.
Kotin questioned the political backlash, saying the IGP’s commitment was to the broader Bawku community, not to any specific ethnic group. “When he said he would prioritise youth, did he say Kusasi or Mamprusi? Are they not all from Bawku?”
The security expert also referenced similar region-specific recruitment initiatives in the past, arguing that such measures do not breed bias but rather address historical marginalisation.
“People have suffered for far too long. If the IGP is pleading with them to let peace prevail, what’s so wrong with that?”
Responding to the Minority’s press conference, Kotin criticised what he saw as premature and unhelpful posturing by the NPP. “For Christ’s sake, the Minority are behaving as if they’ve been in opposition for 10 years. It’s been just three months since they left office, after governing for eight good years. What did they do to resolve the conflict?” he asked.
He further called for leadership and restraint from all sides, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), pointing specifically to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. “I thought that with Dr. Bawumia as a son of the Mamprusi and a former presidential candidate of the NPP, that would be a turning point for peacebuilding. This is the time for both sides to step back, listen, and work together,” Kotin urged.
He concluded by appealing to both major parties to respect the efforts of traditional authorities like the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and his peace delegation. “I plead with both the NPP and NDC to consider the good people of Bawku. They have suffered long enough. Depoliticize the tensions and allow the Otumfuo and his team to do their work,” Mr. Kotin stated.
The Inspector General of Police, during his recent visit to Bawku, reiterated calls for calm and assured residents of the police administration’s resolve to build trust and prioritize the inclusion of local youth in national security efforts – a gesture analysts say could strengthen community-police cooperation in a conflict-prone zone.
Ultimately, peace in Bawku requires collective effort and a commitment to putting the needs of the people first. By working together and supporting initiatives like the IGP’s peace plan, Ghanaians can build a brighter future for all.
