Mahama stirs controversy with ethnocentric statement in Bawku

A statement made by NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama in Bawku , which sought to downplay the importance of the creation of the North East Region by the Akufo-Addo government, has stirred controversy in the north.

Many feared the controversy could further deepen the rift between Kusasis and Mamprusis in the volatile Bawku area, where many people have died due to a bitter chieftaincy conflict for supremacy over Bawku .

Desperation
Speaking when he called on the Bawku Naba , Asigri Abugrago Azorka at the start of his campaign tour of the Upper East region, former President Mahama promised to consider a request by the paramount chief for a new region, if he wins the election.

But, while making the promise, the NDC flagbearer tried to belittle the importance of the creation of the North East Region where the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia comes from. He stated: “I will consider the creation of a region for Kusasis in Bawku. I don’t have the figures, but you have more numbers than the Mamprusis in the North East Region. The other consideration is economic visibility. Bawku is a major trading and commercial centre than North East”.

Further in his desperation for power, he said, “These are constitutional issues. I hope and pray that the Commission of Enquiry will do a good job facilitating the process. I strongly believe it will also address the security issues here.”

Condemnation
Many people on social media have condemned Mr Mahama for his divisive statement. They noted that, the statement is likely to scuttle efforts to resolve the conflict. They described his statement as unbecoming of a former president.