Bolgatanga: The Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, has led a special Easter prayer focused on the return of peace to Bawku and its surrounding areas. During this year’s Easter celebration at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga, Bishop Agyenta called on divine intervention to encourage peace among the feuding factions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the ongoing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku has persisted for decades, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. This prolonged communal conflict has disrupted social and economic activities, affecting access to education and healthcare, and bringing economic activities to a halt. Since its resurgence in November 2021, the conflict has claimed over 300 lives and has intensified, spreading to areas such as Binduri and Walewale.
Leading the Holy Mass, Bishop Agyenta and parishioners offered prayers for peace not only in Bawku but also in other conflict-affected regions. The bishop emphasized the importance of peace, urging the communities involved to embrace it. He also prayed for the mediation team and stakeholders working towards resolving the conflict.
During his homily, Bishop Agyenta highlighted that violence and conflict yield no positive outcomes. He drew parallels between the passion of Jesus Christ and the futility of violence, urging warring parties to follow Christ’s example of non-violence. He reminded the congregation of the message in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, encouraging Christians to lead righteous lives with the belief in life beyond this world.