Bawku peace talks show progress, National Peace Council urges patience

The National Peace Council (NPC) has reported encouraging progress in peace talks between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities in Bawku, Ghana. For the first time in years, representatives from both sides are engaging in dialogue to address long-standing inter-communal tensions.

The discussions, which are being technically supported and financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, have been described as frank and constructive. While the NPC welcomed the commitment to peaceful coexistence, it cautioned that lasting peace requires rebuilding trust and should not be measured by the speed of reaching a final agreement.

The Council also issued a warning regarding the role of media and social media in the conflict. It urged stakeholders to avoid spreading unverified information, sensationalism, or inflammatory content. Specific concern was raised regarding the rise of artificial intelligence, which makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic media from AI-generated material that could heighten tensions.