Amid growing concerns over renewed tensions in Boko and its surrounding communities, strong calls have been made for urgent, coordinated action involving religious leaders, traditional authorities, the National Peace Council, and government to prevent further escalation and restore lasting peace to the area.
Speaking on the BRYT Morning Show with host Mr. Kwamina Sam Binney, the immediate past Minister for Chieftaincy, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, emphasized the need for unity and swift intervention to address the protracted conflict, popularly referred to as the Boko saga.
Hon. Asamoah Boateng called on church leaders, Muslim clerics, including the Chief Imma, and the National Peace Council to come together and actively mediate the situation. According to him, religious bodies remain trusted institutions capable of bringing opposing factions to the table and fostering reconciliation.
He further urged the President of the Republic to address the nation within 24 hours with a clear peace message, reassuring residents and demonstrating government’s commitment to resolving the crisis. He also proposed the immediate deployment of a fact-finding and mediation team to engage key figures such as Nayile and Sofo Asoka, with the aim of rectifying misunderstandings and calming tensions on the ground.
Beyond dialogue, Hon. Asamoah Boateng stressed that youth unemployment remains a major driver of the conflict. He appealed to government and development partners to create sustainable jobs for the youth in Boko, noting that idle young people are often easily drawn into violence.
The former minister also highlighted the importance of economic revival as a Peace building tool. He called for the restoration of the old central market, which he said once served as a unifying space for the community and a hub of economic activity. According to him, the market was vibrant and brought people together before disputes and clashes disrupted its operations.
He expressed concern over the emergence of separate markets, particularly one allegedly established by the Kusasi group, warning that such divisions are deepening mistrust and fueling further conflict instead of promoting unity.
Hon. Asamoah Boateng further advocated for strong judicial and security presence in the town to enforce the rule of law and deter acts of violence, stressing that peace efforts must be backed by firm legal and security measures.
In conclusion, he cautioned against delay, insisting that the situation demands immediate action rather than prolonged discussions. “All stakeholders must come together now to bring peace,” he said, adding that development, dialogue, and decisive leadership remain the surest path to stability in Boko.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Pearl Faith
