Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on President John Mahama to take urgent steps to restore peace in Bawku, citing growing insecurity in the area.

Speaking at a press briefing after the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday, April 16, he said, “I will plead with President Mahama to do all he can to ensure the peace in Bawku. The situation is getting out of hand.”

He added, “They inherited a peaceful country, they must keep it peaceful. What is happening in Bawku where security personnel don’t feel safe is not the best for our country.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about what he described as the harassment of political opponents, especially members of the NPP and former government officials.

“MPs are now being harassed by expressing their views on governance issues. We urge government to demonstrate tolerance. After all, when they were in opposition, they were at liberty to raise a number of issues,” he said.

Referring to a recent incident, he stated, “The recent event at the residence of Rev Ntim Fordjour leaves so much to be desired, very unfortunate. In any event, they could have used due process of law to invite him.”

He further urged the government to focus on governance and the welfare of citizens. “Government must focus on issues of governance, creating jobs, and helping better the lives of the people,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also noted concerns about dismissals from state institutions.

“We are still aware that a lot more are still dismissed from various state institutions that are even very independent and are limited liability companies and whose budget do not rely on government’s budget, they are very independent, who have recruited people for 18 months, 12 months, and they are just being sacked here and there. The government must take note of it,” he said.