Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd.), NDF Chairman
The Northern Development Forum (NDF) has expressed deep concern over the intensifying violence and loss of life in Bawku, urging the government to act swiftly to restore peace.
A statement signed and released by Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd.), Chairman of the NDF, described the ongoing unrest as “mindless violence”, and lamented the devastating toll it has taken on innocent civilians.
Over the past four years, residents of Bawku and surrounding areas have endured escalating conflicts that have resulted in loss of life, displacement, and widespread suffering. The Forum fears that without decisive action, the violence may persist indefinitely. According to the NDF, the cycle of provocation and impunity has grown more severe, leaving communities in a state of fear and uncertainty.
“It is deeply troubling that resources meant to improve livelihoods and development are being redirected to endless security and mediation efforts,” the statement read. The NDF noted the frustration and trauma that the ongoing crisis had caused for the people of northern Ghana, particularly as clashes show no sign of abating.
It also criticized the absence of a clear governmental strategy to address the root causes of the violence. “We are greatly concerned by the seeming lack of a discernible plan to remove those instigating this conflict,” the NDF emphasized. The Forum called on the government to assert its authority and implement measures to restore calm in the area.
Reconciliation
The NDF urged northern Ghanaians to reconsider the resort to violence as a means of settling minor ethnic, traditional, and cultural disputes. The Forum underscored that these divisions, often based on historical grievances, were irrelevant to the urgent need for development in the region.
“Our people face shared challenges of poverty, illiteracy, and ignorance,” the statement highlighted. “These conflicts, rooted in ethnic rivalries, hinder progress rather than promote it. We must unite in our commitment to peace and development, as endless disputes only serve to dissipate our collective resources and energies,” it added.
The NDF’s statement also celebrated the rich cultural and historical diversity within Northern Ghana, suggesting that these differences should be seen as opportunities for mutual respect and cooperation rather than sources of division. “We believe our diversity is a call for cooperation, learning, and sharing,” the Forum affirmed. “These distinctions should never become the basis for power struggles or dominance.”
“Brothers and sisters, lay down the weapons. Together, let us work to build communities that offer a better future for generations to come,” it appealed.
About The Author
