BAWKU CONFLICT: OVER 300 CHILDREN MADE ORPHANS – MINISTER
An estimated figure of over 300 children have become orphans over the persistent Bawku protracted chieftaincy conflict who need some form of social protection and education.
Hon. Stephen Yakubu, the outgoing Upper East Regional Minister, said this when he addressed a Muslim congregation at this year’s Eid-dul Fitr prayer in Bolgatanga.
He said the conflict had escalated to other parts of the Region including Bolgatanga and Binduri, and used the occasion to request prayers to address the conflict situation in Bawku.
He expressed concern that some Muslims did not live to observe this year’s celebration and further called for prayers for the departed souls.
“I am aware the Holy Quran frowns upon and condemns murder when it stated that When you kill a life is like you have killed the whole mankind and when you save a life is like you have saved a life of all mankind, so why then do we do this to ourselves as Muslims,” he quizzed.
The outgoing Minister said as part of measures to minimize the conflict situation in the area, some radio stations were shut down and urged Muslims communities in the region to be vigilant about the threat of violent extremism from the Sahel Region using Islam as a decoy.
“Let us endeavour to support the fight against terrorism by volunteering information about the hideouts of these terrorists and giving same to the security agencies as the slogan says; See Something, Say Something,” he told the congregation.
The Minister for the first time publicly informed the general public that His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had re-assigned him to the Upper West Region, while his colleague Minister in that Region would assume duty as the Upper East Regional Minister.
He, therefore, appealed to residents to collaborate and cooperate with the new Minister to enable him prosecute government’s agenda of creating jobs and prosperity for the Upper East Region.
