Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, Dr. George Amoh, has identified deep-seated distrust among factions as the primary obstacle to lasting peace in Bawku, a community grappling with prolonged conflict.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr. Amoh stressed the critical role of trust and effective leadership in resolving the longstanding chieftaincy dispute in the area.

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“The issue of trust is critical in peacebuilding, and I think that has been the biggest challenge in the Bawku crisis,” he stated, emphasizing that misunderstandings often arise due to entrenched suspicions between factions.

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“Even when people mean well, the level of distrust is so significant that intentions are often misunderstood or ignored,” he added.

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Dr. Amoh described former President John Mahama’s recent visit to Bawku as a significant gesture toward reconciliation, explaining that such actions can have a positive psychological impact in conflict resolution.

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“In peacebuilding, signals are very important, and his presence there, the words he’s spoken, are very critical,” he noted.

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Commending Mahama’s decision to prioritize Bawku as a key destination outside Accra, Dr. Amoh highlighted its importance in the broader peace process.

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“This is his first trip outside of Accra, apart from Pomadze, where he joined the Ahmadiyya community last week. Going to Bawku is very significant. He has met the Bawku Naba, and I believe he will also meet the Nayiri, which is very critical,” he said.

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The National Peace Council, according to Dr. Amoh, has remained steadfast in advocating for dialogue and coexistence as pillars of peace.

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“If you look at the statement we issued, we are trying to emphasize the need for us to coexist and promote peace. Without peace, no development can stand, so we are in search of peace,” he reiterated.

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Drawing comparisons to unrest in other regions like Ejura, Dr. Amoh called for impartial leadership and urged that appointees in conflict areas be seen as neutral figures capable of unifying divided communities.

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Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul’s recent comments on trust issues in Bawku were echoed by Dr. Amoh, who further underscored the need for credible leadership.

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“Trust has been damaged to the extent that even if you mean well, people do not give your actions the attention they deserve. This is why leaders need to be deliberate about restoring faith and confidence,” he said.

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Dr. Amoh called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations, to collaborate more effectively to restore peace in Bawku.

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He concluded by reaffirming the Peace Council’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and reconciliation efforts in the region.

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“President Mahama’s visit is a step in the right direction, but we need sustained efforts and consistent engagement to rebuild trust and ensure peace,” Dr. Amoh stated.

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The Bawku conflict, rooted in a chieftaincy dispute, has led to significant violence and displacement of residents, posing serious challenges to the region’s stability and development.

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