Bawku: The Upper East Regional Peace Council has called on residents and factions involved in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict to lay down their arms and embrace non-violent means to resolve their differences. This appeal follows escalating violent clashes in the Bawku Township and surrounding areas, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people and injuries to many since last Thursday. According to Ghana News Agency, a statement signed by Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, the Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, emphasized that engaging in violence would only exacerbate the situation in the area. The statement expressed sadness over the recent developments in Bawku, especially after a period of calm and successful engagements by stakeholders, which had led to the easing of a curfew and peaceful celebrations of the Damba festival. The situation in Bawku has deteriorated since October 24, 2024, resulting in loss of lives and creating fear and insecurity, even extending to the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway. The Peace Council appreciates the efforts of all stakeholders, particularly the security services and the people of Bawku, and urges conflicting parties to adopt non-violent approaches to restore stability. The statement also called on security agencies to remain professional and proactive in ensuring the safety of people in Bawku and travelers on the Bolgatanga-Tamale Highway. Residents are encouraged to support law enforcement in implementing measures to ease tensions and allow for normal daily activities. The Peace Council highlighted the importance of maintaining peace as the region approaches the general election and annual festivals such as Samanpiid and Buud Yelle. It stressed that violence only deepens the community's suffering and is not a solution to grievances, warning that without non-violent approaches, the area may witness another cycle of violence and insecurity. Reliable sources informed the Ghana News Agency that the conflict is partly due to the return of a new chief allegedly enskinned by on e of the factions involved. A High Court had initially issued a warrant for the arrest of the new chief, deeming the enskinment illegal. However, the arrest warrant was recently withdrawn, allowing the chief's return, which heightened tensions and led to gunfire, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The recent violence began with an alleged killing of an 11-year-old girl by one of the factions. More than 20 people were killed in Bawku last Thursday, and an additional eight were killed in an attack on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Walewale, linked to the Bawku clashes. Armed men reportedly blocked vehicles on the highway and shot at travelers, causing multiple fatalities and injuries.