In an impassioned plea, Neeyi Ghartey stated, "Let us not treat this as a distant conflict, but as a national wound that requires our collective healing."
Neenyi Ghartey urged for swift action to end the violence in order to bring peace back to the region and hasten its development at the second session of the 29th Congregation of the UEW last Saturday.
Background
Neeyi Ghartey's plea follows years of instability in the region as the bloody war continues to affect health care, education, and other economic sectors.
For example, the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) both show that the uncertain situation in Bawku is having a negative impact on education in the region.
There were 2,070 GNAT members operating in the enclave, according to Thomas Musah, the organization's general secretary.
He said that a local GNAT conference that was scheduled to take place in the region last month was postponed due to the circumstances.
A district meeting that was scheduled for next month has also been postponed, he noted.
Academic work in Bawku has been severely impacted for years, according to King Awudu Ali, President of the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana.
"New teachers do not accept postings in Bawku, and many teachers have sought transfers out of Bawku," he said.
"In the end, the loss of life and property doesn't benefit regular people, especially those in Bawku," he said.
Ruins must end.
Although Bawku is a place rich in tradition, strength, and tenacity, and its people have long been recognised for their work ethic, Neenyi Ghartey, who goes by Daniel Kobena Bortse Ghartey in private life, said that the violence has had a negative impact on the community.
"Persistent violence is tearing families apart, preventing children from attending school, and causing livelihoods to collapse. A country cannot be educated when a portion of it is in flames.
He said, "We cannot and must not for this to go on.
Bawku residents were urged by Neenyi Ghartey to allow peace to reign.
"Let there be peace. Silence the gunfire. Let Bawku be a peaceful place. Let's put an end to the firearms and raise the voices of reason, solidarity, and fraternity.
He emphasised, "Let us keep in mind that conflict only results in pain, loss, and destruction—not just to lives and property, but also to our children's future aspirations."
He specifically challenged the young people of Bawku and the surrounding area to stand up as agents of peace and development rather than letting themselves be exploited as agents of devastation.
Additionally, he exhorted the local opinion leaders and elders to utilise their voices to create bridges rather than barriers.
Even while the gathering ceremony was joyful, he added, it was impossible to ignore the suffering and uncertainty that the people of Bawku were facing in their unstable present situation.
The Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey, stated that Bawku and Ghana needed peace to promote national development and cohesion. He counselled everyone, including scholars and decision-makers, to promote peace throughout the nation, stating that "peace is not weakness; peace is strength, dignity, and vision."
He went on to say that a peaceful Ghana served as the cornerstone for a flourishing Ghana.
"Whether they live in Accra or Bawku, Winneba or Navrongo, Elubo or Sunyani, every Ghanaian child deserves to grow up in peace." The traditional chief said, "May Bawku experience peace again, may healing enter every home, and may Ghana emerge stronger, more united, and full of promise for all her children."
Data
6,969 students—2,969 men and 4,000 women—received degrees and certificates during the graduation ceremony.
Among them were 308 diplomates, 5,958 first-degree holders, 503 postgraduates, and 38 doctorates.
There were 2,20 first-class, 1,427 second-class upper-division, and 2,188 second-class lower-division first-degree holders, including 3,620 females.
Speaking on the growth of education, Neenyi Ghartey praised President John Mahama for his commitment to advancing inclusive education and his vision for equitable and sustainable education, stating that it aligned with the university's mission to maximise each student's potential.
He said the institution was sure the graduates would succeed with the knowledge and skills they had gained and encouraged them to work hard and strive for excellence in whatever they did.
Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, UEW's vice chancellor, expressed gratitude to the government for policies that supported equality and access, digital transformation, and capacity development, stating that these initiatives have assisted UEW and other institutions in producing graduates who were well prepared.
According to Prof. Mitchual, the institution has increased its investment in digital accessibility and guaranteed internet connection, which has improved the effectiveness of instruction, learning, and testing.
.jpg)
