Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for the cooperation of all stakeholders with the mediation team being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to bring lasting peace to the long-standing conflict in Bawku.

The crisis, between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis, has escalated recently, leading to the killing of several people in the area. In response, the Asantehene has taken the lead in a mediation effort.

Speaking in Bolga, Upper East Region, on Monday during the NPP's national “Thank You” tour, Dr Bawumia expressed deep sadness over the conflict, which he described as “unfortunately between two factions who are the same people with many things in common”, and called for a peaceful ceasefire.

"I feel so sad about this conflict and the killing of innocent people. Mamprusis and Kusasis are one people, and this should not be happening. We understand each other's language and we have intermarried, so we are one people."

While calling for the cooperation of all stakeholders with the Asantehene’s mediation team, Dr Bawumia also criticised politicians who have used the conflict for their own parochial gain, and called for an end to the politicisation of the crisis.

"The politicisation of the crisis in Bawku is very unfortunate because some people do it for their own parochial interests, not for the peace and stability of the area," Dr Bawumia said.

"As politicians, let us be careful in using chieftaincy issues for political gain. The NDC have done it, and it is a disingenuous burden hanging around their neck."

"I pray the mediation team being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be able to bring much-needed peace to Bawku. I want to urge the factions and all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the mediation team led by the Asantehene."