Overlord of the Bawku traditional area, Zug-Raan Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has rejected pressure from some persons to join the ‘Western Togoland’.

He indicated that he does not support such a move, saying “it would not be reasonable to accept that”.

“I admit having been contacted by persons advocating for secession of parts from Ghana a number of times, but I want to assure you that I do not buy into their wishes. It is not in the interest of my chiefs and people to split my traditional area between two States”, he said.

Speaking through his secretary at the climax of the 32^nd annual Samanpiid festival in Bawku over the weekend, the overlord did not state categorically the people who came to request to get parts of Bawku to join Western Togoland.

However, it is suspected that the persons involved are a part of a group how were recently arrested in connection to seeking to create a new state out of Ghana’s territory.

Aside from the assurance to turn a deaf ear to invitations, the Paramount Chief of the Bawku Traditional Area called on government to adequately equip security personnel at Ghana’s borders in all neighbouring countries.

This comes after attacks from suspected members of al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) terrorist groups in the country's neighbour, Burkina Faso.

Zug-Raan Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II assured government of the commitment of the people of Bawku to leave the unpleasant past while sticking to the path of development.

 “Ever since our senseless conflict ended some years ago, we have based our priority on the healing of wounds and the mending of fences in broken relationships. It is now time to embark on vigorous pursuit of economic and social development of our people”, he stated.

This year’s Samanpiid festival was under the theme, “Harnessing the economic, social and cultural heritage of our people for the development of Kusaug”

Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former President Dramani Mahama, the Upper East Regional Minister, Tangoba Abayage, some Regional and National Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party ( NPP) were present at the 32^nd Samanpiid celebration.

Also at the event was a 60 member delegation from the Asantehene who led Otumfuor’s Sumankwahene Baffour Asabre Kogyawoasu Ababio III.

Others included Members of Parliament from the Bawku Traditional Area, as well as the Minister of Aviation and MP for Navrongo Central, Joseph Kofi Adda.