Conduct thorough investigation into Bawku Conflict(Daily Graphic, Monday, February 4, 2008 P. 34)

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Bawku
The Mamprusi Regent of Bawku, Alhaji Ibrahim Adam Zangbeogo has called on the security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the recent ethnic violence that rocked the Bawku Township.
He said the allusions Bawku Naba, Abugrago Azoka II made at a press conference recently to the effect that it was the Mamprusis which instigated the fight were wrong and that it was only after thorough investigations that the truth would come out.
In a statement read on his behalf by Mr. Mohammed Tahiru Nambe at a press conference in Bawku, Alhaji Zangbeogo said the statement by the Bawku Naba that the Bawku chieftaincy issue had been settled by the Supreme Court was totally misleading and calculated to deceive all stakeholders and the good people of Ghana.
Alhaji Zangbeogo contended that the Supreme Court had not made any ruling on the matter since nothing had been adjudicated upon following an application by the Regent to discontinue the action earlier initiated, with liberty to return.
Alhaji Zangbeogo who indicated that the causes of the Bawku conflict as established by the George Minyila Committee set up in 1984 was over land ownership. “Up till date, Mamprusis who had lived in Zabgu for over 150 years have been prevented from coming to Zabgu and other farmlands”. He therefore called on the government to look into the farmland issue before the rains set in.
He also called for a restructioning of the Samanpiid festival by the chiefs and people of Kusaug, since its celebration has always been characterized with violence.
“We admit that every ethnic group has its festival that must be respected. We will be the first to admit and agree that any such culture or tradition which is an affront to development or causes stir in society must be given a second thought”, he stated.
Alhaji Zangbeogo described attempts by sections of the people the recent conflict to an alleged promise by newly elected NPP flag bearer, Nana Akuffo-Addo to restore the chieftaincy title to the Mamprusis as very unfortunate.
He stressed that those seeking to use Nana Akuffo-Addo name in relation to the conflict will fail. ”This was the same campaign against the then presidential candidate of the NPP, Mr. J.A. Kufour, that when he wins, he will restore the chieftaincy back to the Mamprusis. This campaign made a lot Kusasis antagonistic towards NPP. They are being chased by their own shadows, hence, the renewal of such diabolical campaign against the NPP”, he said.
He expressed his heartfelt condolence to all those who lost a relative during the recent crisis and wish the injured speedy recovery.
He emphasized that the Mamprusis were a peaceful ethnic group, who believed in the conviction that development could only be attained in a peaceful environment, and reaffirmed the commitment of the community not to resort to any act that would mar the atmosphere of tranquility currently prevailing in the Bawku area.