The Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana has appealed to feuding factions in Bawku to bury their differences and embrace peace for the area’s development.

The Foundation in a release signed by its president, Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu called on the youth “to refrain from acts of violence and not to allow themselves to be used as conduits to foment trouble.”

“We also urge the traditional authorities to lead the processes of peace and reconciliation for the good of the people,” they added.

According to the group, they have followed with deep concern, the outbreak of conflict in Bawku, in the Upper East Region, hence the call for peace.

“We had been very excited about prevailing peace in the area until the recent renewal of conflict. We find it quite unfortunate and regrettable that things have degenerated in such a manner, reversing many of the gains made toward peace and development in Bawku.

“We are deeply concerned because apart from the harm conflict causes to peace, harmony, social progress and development, it affects women and children gravely. In such situations, women, who are the backbone of economic activities, are so vulnerable to the extent of losing their livelihoods, while children are unable to attend school, thereby jeopardising their future,” she explained.

In this regard, the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana further urged security agencies to endeavour to maintain law and order in the area, adding that they must be cautious not to infringe on the human rights of the people.

In addition, the group called on government and political parties “to refrain from politicising the conflict or stoking the fire for political expediency. Rather, they must work together to douse the fire and restore peace.”

“Finally, we appeal to the media to help defuse the conflict and refrain from comments and publications that would rather worsen the situation.

"The media must also desist from giving their platform to troublemakers or people with hidden agendas to fan the flame of conflict,” they added