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The Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has attributed the occasional gunshots in Bawku to the many guns in the hands of the people and not because of the ethnic conflict in the area. Mr Mark Woyongo, Caretaker Regional Minister, who doubles as Chairman of REGSEC said the Committee came to the conclusion after a joint intelligent gathering with Bawku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC). Mr Woyongo made this known in Bawku during a forum in the area, which brought together leaders of the various ethnic groups, the youth, assembly members and members of the traditional council and security agencies among others, brainstormed on how to help find a lasting solution to the Bawku crises. He observed that at the least provocation people want to test their guns to see whether they are functional and this he said is very dangerous. Mr Woyongo asked everybody particularly community and other opinion leaders to play a significant role in getting rid of �these nasty acts�. To help address the problem REGSEC together with MUSEC had instituted measures which include voluntary surrendering of guns or information leading to the retrieval of arms. Mr Woyongo said anybody who voluntarily surrender his or her gun or revealed information leading to the retrieval of weapons would be rewarded with GH�3,000. �Anybody who would volunteer information about any criminal undermining the peace process in the area would also receive the same amount, he said. Mr Woyongo said the security personnel had intensified its patrols in Bawku Municipality and its environs and also widen its intelligent gatherings as part of the measures to arrest those behind the recent gunshots in the area. �If you want to live in peace you must be prepared to expose your kinsmen who are involved in criminal activities to security agencies and not to shield them. Your sources will be protected,� The REGSEC Chairman said. Mr Abdulai Musah, Municipal Chief Executive said the security problem in the area is self-inflicted due to mistrust and insincerity among the ethnic groups. He asked the people to embrace peace to enhance the development of the area.