By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, April 20, GNA – The Very Reverend Emmanuel Nii Amanor Wellington, Superintendent Minister of Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Accra Circuit, has appealed to all involved in the Bawku conflict to cease hostilities and foster peace for development.
In an Easter Sunday interview with the Ghana News Agency, he called on the Kusasis and Mamprusis to embrace forgiveness and resolve their grievances, underscoring the need for unity and peace.
“First of all, it is my prayer that the conflict ceases. The violence in Bawku has continued because of the unwillingness to put away differences. I urge all involved to be willing to forgive one another to help end the conflict. We are one people with a common destiny to progress,” he said.
The Bawku conflict flared up again in late 2024 after Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi Chief enskinned in 2022, returned from exile. His enskinment had been declared illegal, leading to an arrest warrant and his exile.
When the warrant was withdrawn by a High Court in Kumasi in October 2024, his return reignited tensions and violence.
The clashes have resulted in over 47 deaths, including women and children, with violence spilling into neighboring towns such as Walewale.
Rev. Wellington also encouraged Ghanaians, especially Christians, not to see forgiveness as a weakness but as a vital legacy of Christ.
“The difficulty to forgive each other for wrongdoing stems from our mind. People should not associate forgiveness with weakness.
“Easter is more about forgiveness and love which was demonstrated by Christ and perfectly elaborated in the Bible,” he said.
“The stories of Joseph, Adam and Eve, David and the Lord’s Prayer are proof of God’s act of forgiveness climaxed during the death and resurrection of Christ.
“Let’s cultivate that heart of Christ and forgive others when they wrong us. It is not worth holding grudges against each other,” he added.
The Methodist Minister also urged Christians to deepen their faith in God amidst global economic challenges.
Christians worldwide celebrate Easter to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ.
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