Factions of Bawku ethnic conflict to smoke pipe of peace on April 13

General News of Friday, March 15, 2019

Source: Graphic.com.gh

2019-03-15

The feudal factions of long-standing inter-ethnic conflict in Bawku, in the Far East region, have unanimously decided to cease hostilities between them and live in harmony with a traditional ceremony scheduled for the Saturday, April 13, 2019.

The ceremony that is called "burial of the okro stick" would involve the sacrifice of cows and sheep to clean up the country in order to usher in peace and a new dawn. hope.

It is thought that any family or individual who does not respect the tradition and continues to fight in the community will incur the wrath of the gods of the country.

The ceremony is part of the strategic actions deployed by members and stakeholders of the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee (BIEPC) to promote lasting peace in Bawku and surrounding areas.

Sustainable solution

The secretary of the Bawku Traditional Council (BTC), PatricK Adakudugu, told the Daily Graphic that the tradition involved rituals, using animals to pacify the gods to promote the peaceful coexistence of people between landlords in conflict.

According to him, after "the burial of the okro stick", the warring factions would be free to mix and forget the wounds of the conflict.

"April 13, 2019 will be the burial of the Okro Stick" and when it does, no one will have the moral right to disclose the conflict that erupted several years ago. When you do this, we think you will be angry with the gods and the gods will punish you, "he said.

Adakudugu, also a member of the interethnic peace committee, urged residents and indigenous people in and around Bawku, who had fled because of protracted conflict, to return home, as calm was restored in the region.

Prohibition of "spinners"

At the same time, Bawku's traditional council has banned the use of "spinners" for celebrations in the region as part of efforts to combat immoral practices among youth.

The movement also aimed to minimize the use of Western music and dance at ceremonies to which young people were accustomed, to the detriment of traditional music and dance.