Head of Research and Capacity Building at the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Dr. Festus Kofi Aubyn, has provided insights on concerns regarding the high budget allocation to the Ministry of National Security for resolving the Bawku conflict.
This follows the Ministry of National Security’s rebuttal to allegations made by the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga. The MP criticized the lack of progress in resolving the Bawku conflict despite the Ministry receiving a monthly budget of GHc 6 million.
Speaking with Univers News, Dr. Aubyn highlighted the significant costs associated with conflict management, which involve not just the deployment of security forces but also the participation of various security agencies.
Dr. Aubyn explained that security operations aim to create a conducive environment for peacebuilding initiatives, including mediation and dialogue, to address the root causes of conflict and ensure long-term stability.
“First of all, we need to appreciate the fact that some of these security operations are very expensive to maintain, especially in the long term and when they involve multiple security agencies. It’s very costly. I remember being shocked when I heard some of the figures associated with Operation Cowleg, which was deployed to address farmer-herder issues in some areas.”
“When it comes to dealing with matters like the Bawku conflict, security deployment alone will not address the underlying issues. Long-term stability requires interventions rooted in mediation, dialogue, and peacebuilding.”
Dr. Aubyn further acknowledged the legitimacy of the Bawku Central MP’s concerns. He stressed the importance of the parliamentary select committee on defense and interior, which oversees the Ministry of National Security, in calling upon the Ministry to provide a detailed account of how the funds are being spent, particularly amid suspicions of misappropriation and corruption.
“I believe we have the parliamentary select committee on defense and interior, which provides oversight responsibility over the ministry. If there are any issues of misappropriation of funds or suspicions of corruption, it is incumbent on that committee to invite the Minister of National Security to provide full details of how those monies are being spent. “
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Story by: Abdul Wahab | universnews.ug.edu.gh
