Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd)
The Northern Development Forum (NDF), a non-partisan and development-oriented organisation, has called for peace to prevail in Northern Ghana to ensure accelerated growth and development of its people in the region.
In a statement issued yesterday by the group, Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd), he expressed worry about the resurgence of pockets of conflict and violence in some communities in Northern Ghana.
“Notably, the recent incidences in Bawku, Kandiga, Doba and the Nanumba (Bimbilla) areas are particularly disturbing. The people and communities in these areas have witnessed untold suffering already from previous conflicts and violence,” the statement said.
Mediation measures
NDF noted that the State and other non-state agencies had already invested incalculable resources and time to contain the earlier conflicts through mediation measures.
It lamented that scarce resources had to be diverted from promoting livelihoods and well being to put in place security and mediation measures.
“We continue to cherish the richness and diversity of the cultures and history of the people who inhabit the North of Ghana. We believe that these cultural and historical diversities are an invitation for mutual respect, cooperation, learning and sharing of our unique identities. These differences should never provide any grounds for inter-ethnic or inter-communal clashes for supremacy or domination,” part of the statement read.
The NDF therefore reminded all people in Northern Ghana to rather fight against the common and bitterest enemies like poverty, ignorance and deprivation.
Peace call
“These challenges affect our people equally regardless of ethnic and cultural differences. Unless we the people of Northern Ghana unite in one accord and in pursuit of peace and development, these enemies will drain all our development potentials to debilitating levels. The absence of social cohesion is the environment much needed by these enemies to thrive. We should not give them the chance to destroy us,” he urged.
NDF further admonished backward-thinking persons who are in the business of fanning these conflicts in Northern Ghana for their personal to desist from such acts.
“We therefore urge such people to refocus their energies and resources on the accelerated development of peaceful Northern Ghana with equal opportunities to achieve their potential. Conflicts will certainly not facilitate the development of Northern Ghana,” the statement added.
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