The Director of Operations at the Centre for Gender, Peace and Security Relations (CGPSR), Mr. Andrews Asiedu Tetteh, has stated without mincing words that some influential political figures are deliberately frustrating efforts to restore peace in the troubled town of Bawku. He insists that continued political interference is undermining meaningful dialogue and obstructing the resolution of the protracted conflict.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Daily Times Newspaper, Mr. Tetteh noted that almost every credible attempt to mediate peace in Bawku has been sabotaged by what he described as “unseen hands” with entrenched political interests. “It’s no secret—there are powerful people who benefit from the instability. Until they are exposed or voluntarily withdraw, Bawku will continue to suffer,” he stated.
He described the situation as a calculated contest for influence, where political actors exploit ethnic and local divisions for electoral gains and personal advancement. “Some politicians are focused on scoring political points and sustaining favoritism. They are not willing to lose votes in the area, which is why they continue to meddle in the process,” Mr. Tetteh emphasized.
He warned that unless the peace process is completely depoliticized, it risks becoming nothing more than a ceremonial effort lacking substance or outcome. He also questioned the overreliance on security personnel to restore calm, stating, “We cannot depend solely on police and military presence. What we urgently need is impartial, external support to monitor the process, mediate honestly, and expose those playing double roles behind the scenes.”
Mr. Tetteh further stressed the need for a more inclusive and credible peacebuilding framework. “Peacebuilding in Bawku must be led by trusted, independent facilitators—not individuals tied to political agendas,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of adopting gender-sensitive and community-based approaches, noting that the active participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups is crucial for lasting peace. “Women bear the brunt of conflict, yet are often excluded from peace talks. That must change if we want true stability,” he added.
The security analyst urged the government to invite international partners, including ECOWAS and reputable conflict resolution NGOs, to join the peace efforts. According to him, external oversight would enhance the credibility of the process and help neutralize political interference. “International observers can bring a level of neutrality and professionalism that the current process desperately lacks,” he pointed out.
The Bawku conflict, which has persisted for over a decade, has claimed numerous lives and devastated the local economy. Despite repeated interventions by traditional leaders and state security agencies, tensions remain high. Many residents, weary of unfulfilled promises, have called for a new, more effective approach.
Mr. Tetteh also highlighted a growing trust deficit between the central government and local communities. “People on the ground no longer see government as a neutral actor. That’s a dangerous development because peace cannot flourish where trust is eroded,” he warned.
He concluded by calling on the National Peace Council, religious leaders, and civil society to take a firm stance against political manipulation of the conflict. “This is not the time for silence or diplomacy. It is time to confront the hard truths—no matter how uncomfortable they may be,” he declared.
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