The Northern Development Forum (NDF) has expressed the need for feuding factions in the Savannah region to call it a truce and not allow the clashes to define its future relations.
According to the Forum, it has received with sadness and sorrow, news about ethnic clashes in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region that have resulted in the destruction of lives, property and livelihoods. Owing to this, it emphasized the need for the two communities to smoke peace pipe.
Additionally, the NDF urged all persons of influence from Northern Ghana to work assiduously for peace in Northern Ghana.
“We should use our influence in the various traditional councils and district/Municipal assemblies to preach peace and advocate for dialogue in the event of boundary disagreements and land disputes. The North Gonja clashes must not be allowed to define the future relations between two hitherto friendly neighbours. The peoples of Northern Ghana have a common enemy called poverty and we need to combine all our efforts and energies to fight this enemy.”
Northern Development Forum
Against a background of debilitating poverty, atrocious living conditions and deteriorating physical infrastructures, the NDF noted that it is depressing to hear about another clash between groups who have shared a common heritage of neglect, lack of development and poverty.
It explained that it is distressed that in spite of the reality of our common challenges, some persons are quick to resort to acts of destruction and despoliation to satisfy claims of ethnic hegemony.
“It is an incontrovertible fact that these clashes, and the resultant acts of destruction of livelihoods and the displacement of vulnerable rural communities, contribute to the damaging narrative of an inhospitable environment peopled by belligerent citizens prone to destruction at the least provocation.”
Northern Development Forum
In light of the violence that has erupted in the region, the NDF called on children of Northern Ghana to reflect on the immeasurable damage these flare-ups do to the image of the North and the ready ammunition given to detractors, and unfriendly interests, to use these unfortunate incidents to deny vast swathes of peaceful Northern Ghana physical infrastructure, social amenities and economic opportunities.
Furthermore, the NDF appealed to Northern Traditional Authorities, Ethnic Associations and Development Organizations to intensify initiatives to minimize the minor linguistic differences among the peoples of Northern Ghana. To this end, the forum urged them to rather highlight the major similarities that should serve to unify them as Ghanaians with a common destiny.
“Misguided attempts at achieving an elusive and ultimately destructive ethnic hegemony will only lead to conflict, destruction and death.”
Northern Development Forum
Savannah Regional Security Council collaborates to facilitate dialogue
Meanwhile, the Savannah Regional Security Council is collaborating with interest groups to facilitate dialogue between the feuding factions, following clashes in the Lukula and Mempeasem communities last week.
Pressure is mounting on government to address the confrontation between the Gonjas and Mamprusis, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to others.
Despite the administration’s efforts and the presence of a joint security force to maintain peace, the conflict remains unresolved.
Both the Mamprusi and Gonja traditional councils have called for calm, but the situation remains volatile.
In the meantime, hundreds of people have been displaced and are lacking shelter and food.
Mohammed Tohir, the Savannah Regional Director of NADMO, revealed that they are currently assessing the situation.
Earlier on Monday, June 5, 2023, 21 out of the 107 suspects arrested by the police in Daboya in the North Gonja District for alleged vandalism of two police vehicles, appeared before a Tamale High Court. They were facing charges of destruction of public property and rioting in the Northern Region.
The remaining 97 individuals have been granted bail pending further investigation
