The Upper East Regional Minister Mark Wayongo has given full assurance of lasting peace in the Bawku Municipality this year. He told Joy News government is in talks with the feuding factions in Bawku and are addressing legitimate concerns they are raising. His assurance follows a two-week ultimatum issued by workers in the area to lay down their tools or vacate the municipality entirely if their security cannot be guaranteed. The workers say seven of their colleagues have been killed in skirmishes between the Mamprusis and Kusasis, and would not sit back and watch any innocent blood to be shed any longer. Bawku has been a citadel of conflict, claiming dozens of lives and turning houses into ashes. Mr Wayongo who is chairman of the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) confirmed receiving notices of the ultimatum, but said his outfit is working to bring lasting peace to the area. He called on the workers to exercise restraints as his outfit takes steps to resolve the differences between the two ethnic groups. Mr Wayongo said they will soon meet the aggrieved workers to sort out their grievances. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana