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Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Ndebilla Alumire Ebenezer, has admitted that political interference has worsened the protracted Bawku conflict, calling for a bipartisan approach to resolve the crisis once and for all.
In an exclusive interview with Channel 247’s Masopeh Jeremiah, the outspoken MP did not mince words, stating that politics has undeniably infiltrated the conflict and contributed to its persistence.
“I cannot sit here and deny that politics has not infiltrated this conflict, it has,” he said. “We play a lot of politics with it. That’s why some of us have decided to be blunt this time.”
The Lawmaker revealed that he recently issued a press statement directly calling on his own government to take urgent action, a rare move in Ghanaian politics, where party loyalty often silences internal criticism.
“I did that yesterday, called on my government to take action. It’s long overdue. The people are in pain. Not many people would call on their own government to act, but I’ve done that,” he added.
Mr. Ndebilla also lamented the severe socio-economic decline of Bawku, once considered a thriving commercial hub in northern Ghana.
“Bawku used to be one of Ghana’s major business centers — you could find everything there. Today, Bawku Central is a ghost town,” he stated emotionally.
He highlighted how major institutions have fled the town due to the insecurity, making mention of GRA shutting its offices, Absa Bank, formerly Barclays, GCB, ADB and other banks closing among others.
When asked what he believes is the core of the Bawku conflict, the MP was clear and firm: “There cannot be two chiefs in one town.”
“In my opinion, that is the underlying issue. You cannot have two chiefs ruling the same land. Just like Ghana can’t have two presidents, Bawku can’t have two overlords,” he said.
Ndebilla stressed that the Kusasis are the rightful traditional owners of Bawku, and any attempt to impose parallel authority will continue to fuel conflict.
“We know the Mamprusis have control in areas like Nalerigu, Walewale, and Gambaga in the North East. We do not claim any inch of that land. So why should anyone try to take what belongs to us in Bawku?” he asked.
Source:channel247online.com
Yaw Boagyan
Rafiq Adam
