Former Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul has opened up about his regrets during his tenure as Defense Minister, emphasising the challenges of achieving total peace in Bawku.

The Bimbilla MP speaking on Joy News' PM Express on Tuesday, Nitiwul provided a candid assessment of the obstacles he faced in managing security issues, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Bawku.

Mr Nitiwul lamented the insufficient resources allocated to security during his tenure, a factor he believes limited the government’s ability to fully address the complex situation in Bawku.

“Funding, in the context of what was available as a country and the challenges we faced economically, was not adequate. I must put on record that we didn’t receive our fair share,” he said.

Despite the constraints, he stated that his administration made significant efforts to maintain peace. However, achieving lasting peace remained elusive.

“We acted, and we did everything right. But I can say that we were unable to bring total peace to Bawku. That will always remain my regret,” he admitted.

He explained that addressing conflicts like the one in Bawku required a nuanced approach that balanced enforcement with caution to avoid harming citizens.

“You cannot unleash the same level of force on your own people as you would on an invading force or enemy combatants. Maintaining peace requires you to enforce it without risking the lives of your own citizens,” he explained.

Dominic Nitiwul revealed that criminal elements exploiting the chieftaincy system in Bawku further complicated efforts to restore order.

“At a point, Bawku became a place where criminals infiltrated the chieftaincy system and used it for their own ends, creating significant problems,” he disclosed.

The former minister reflected on President Nana Akufo-Addo’s acknowledgement of the issue in his final State of the Nation Address.

“For the president to find space in his last address to mention that total peace in Bawku eluded us shows how important it is and the message he wanted to leave for the incoming government,” Mr Nitiwul said.

He expressed optimism about President John Mahama’s immediate focus on resolving the Bawku crisis.

“I am happy that the current president has decided to take up the issue and has shown commitment to handling it. I wish him and the government well,” he stated.

Mr Nitiwul stressed the importance of building trust among the factions involved in the conflict.

“The government must engender trust within the people. That is the first thing that needs to be done. If you appoint people who are not trusted by both factions, you are going to have problems,” he warned.

He stated that fairness and firmness in government dealings were critical to achieving sustainable peace.

“If people see weakness or perceive the government as being unfair, they will exploit it. The mistrust in Bawku is deep-seated, and resolving it requires a firm and fair approach,” Mr Nitiwul advised.

Reflecting on the historical nature of the conflict, he cautioned against quick fixes.

“This is not a problem you can sweep under the carpet. It has existed for decades, and resolving it requires time, commitment, and a genuine understanding of the complexities involved,” he concluded.

Dominic Nitiwul’s reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring challenges in resolving conflicts like the one in Bawku.

As the new administration takes on the task, his insights provide valuable lessons on the importance of trust, fairness, and sustained commitment to achieving lasting peace.