The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has called on Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin to channel his peacebuilding efforts toward resolving local conflicts in northern Ghana before taking on international mediation roles such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Mr. Ayariga, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, emphasised that while the Speaker’s international recognition and leadership in global peace efforts are commendable, Ghana must first consolidate peace within its borders.
“It is good that our Speaker is being acknowledged globally for his leadership and conflict resolution skills. But I believe we must first ensure peace and unity in our own backyard, particularly in the north, before extending such efforts to foreign conflicts,” Hon. Ayariga said.
He noted that northern Ghana continues to grapple with conflicts, including chieftaincy disputes, ethnic tensions, and land-related clashes that have claimed lives and displaced communities. According to him, these persistent conflicts require urgent and sustained attention from national leaders.
“Communities in Bawku, Yendi, and other parts of the north still live under tension. These are issues that require dialogue, reconciliation, and long-term interventions. Speaker Bagbin, with his influence and experience, can play a crucial role in fostering that peace,” he added.
Speaker Bagbin recently made headlines for his remarks on promoting global peace and his openness to support international mediation efforts, including dialogue around the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.