UEW Chancellor Neenyi Ghartey VII has urged the government and other stakeholders involved in the Bawku conflict to prioritize their efforts towards achieving long-term peace.
He called upon the government and relevant agencies to intensify efforts, utilizing diplomatic, developmental, and security-based strategies, in order to achieve lasting peace in the area.
The matter at hand is not limited to Bawku. It is a responsibility that falls on the nation as a whole.
Neeyi Ghartey made a fervent plea for us not to view this as a remote conflict but rather as a wound that affects our entire nation and demands our joint efforts for healing.
During the second gathering of UEW’s 29th Congregation this past weekend, Neenyi Ghartey emphasized the need for prompt action to resolve the conflict and bring back harmony to the region while also advancing its growth.
Neeyi Ghartey’s call is prompted by the ongoing turmoil in the area, which has caused significant setbacks for education, health care and other economic factors.
The GNAT and Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana have both highlighted the impact of the volatile conditions in Bawku on education in the region.
According to GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah, there are currently 2,070 employees in the enclave.
Due to the current circumstances, a nearby GNAT conference that was scheduled to take place last month had to be suspended.
Additionally, the district conference scheduled for next month has also been postponed.
According to the President of the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana, King Awudu Ali, Bawku has been experiencing significant disruptions to academic activities for quite some time now.
According to him, numerous teachers have requested a transfer from Bawku, and there are also no takers for new teaching positions in the area.
He emphasized that the loss of lives and property does not benefit ordinary citizens, particularly those in Bawku.
According to Neenyi Ghartey, or Daniel Kobena Bortse Ghartey, in his personal life, Bawku is renowned for its vibrant culture and resilient people who have always been known for their hardworking nature. However, the ongoing conflict has had negative impacts on the community.
“Families are being torn apart, children cannot go to school, and livelihoods are crumbling under the weight of persistent violence. We cannot educate a nation while part of it burns. We cannot and must not allow this to continue,” he stated.
Neenyi Ghartey urged the residents of Bawku to maintain peace.
“Let peace reign. Let the guns go silent. Let peace be loud in Bawku. Let us silence the guns and raise the voices of reason, unity, and brotherhood. Let us remember that conflict only brings suffering, loss, and destruction, not only to lives and property but to the future dreams of our young ones,” he emphasized.
He specifically urged the young people in Bawku and its surroundings to refrain from being manipulated into causing harm but instead to emerge as advocates for peace and progress. Additionally, he appealed to the older generation and influential members of the community to utilize their influence in promoting unity rather than division.
Although the congregation ceremony was filled with joy, it would be remiss to ignore the pain and uncertainty that currently plague the people of Bawku due to its volatile state.
Neenyi Ghartey, who serves as both the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area and an advocate for peace, emphasized that Bawku and Ghana must prioritize peace in order to promote national unity and progress. He urged all members of society, including intellectuals and decision-makers, to actively promote peace throughout the country, emphasizing that peace is not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength, integrity, and foresight.
According to him, a peaceful Ghana serves as the cornerstone for a thriving Ghana.
The traditional leader emphasized the importance of every Ghanaian child growing up in a peaceful environment, regardless of their location. They expressed hope for peace to be restored in Bawku and for healing to reach every household, ultimately leading to a strong and united Ghana that provides opportunities for all children.
During the commencement ceremony, a total of 6,969 students were awarded degrees and diplomas. This included 2,969 male graduates and 4,000 female graduates.
The group consisted of 503 individuals pursuing postgraduate studies, 38 individuals working towards a doctoral degree, 5,958 individuals with a first degree, and 308 diplomates.
In total, 220 graduates achieved a first-class degree, with 1,427 earning a second-class upper division and 2,188 receiving a second-class lower division. Within this group, 3,620 females obtained their first degree.
Regarding educational progress, Neenyi Ghartey praised President John Mahama for his commitment to fostering inclusive education and his aspiration for lasting and fair education, stating that it aligned with the university’s mission of unlocking the capabilities of each student.
He encouraged the graduating class to strive for excellence and put in diligent effort, emphasizing their potential to make a positive impact in any field they enter. The university has faith in their ability to excel based on the knowledge and skills they have gained.
The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, expressed gratitude to the government for its policies promoting access and equity, digital transformation, and capacity-building. He acknowledged that these efforts have been beneficial in equipping institutions like UEW to produce competent graduates.
According to Prof. Mitchual, the university’s investment in digital accessibility and internet connectivity has resulted in improved efficiency for teaching, learning, and examinations.
