The Overlord of Mamprugu Traditional area, Nayiri Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, has called on Mamprusis and Gonjas to disarm and seek peace for development.
He said the two ethnic groups have a very long standing cordial relationship for centuries now, and that “we are brothers, hence the need for us to bring lasting peace solution to the dispute in the communities.”
The Overlord in in a statement issued in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital, described the violence in the Lukula community in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region as unfortunate.
The call comes against the backdrop of the burning down of houses and property and the death of one person, in renewed chieftaincy and land dispute between the two feuding communities last week.
Several others were injured in the shooting while many of the inhabitants fled for their lives in neighbouring communities and others putting up with relations.
Nayiri Abdulai Mahami Sheriga said the Mamprugu Traditional Area was ready to work with the Overlord of Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Amone- Bafe Soale Mbema, to foster unity among the people.
The Overlord of Mamprugu called on the law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators of the crime to book.
He also urged the government to expedite action on the demarcation of land boundaries in the affected communities, to avoid future conflicts.
Nayiri Abdulai Mahami Sheriga urged the youth of the Savannah and North East Regions to remain calm, saying “our regions are still young therefore, there is the need for us to embrace peace for development, instead of fighting among ourselves.”
“We cannot continue to be killing each other and destroying one another’s properties,” he said stressing that the provocation and disturbances from the recalcitrant individuals in the area must come to an end.
Meanwhile former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep concern about the situation, and called for an immediate end to hostilities between the Gonja and Mamprusi communities.
In a Facebook post, Mr Mahama, said there was urgent need for peace, reconciliation, and the restoration of harmony between the feuding communities.
He appealed for a constructive dialogue, understanding, mutual respect among stakeholders, and urged the factions to prioritise peaceful coexistence and protection of lives and property.
The former President urged the people of Soo and Wasipe to redirect their resources and energies toward combating poverty and deprivation, which he described as their common enemies.
Mr Mahama called on the Overlords of Mamprugu and Gonjaland and the Paramount Chiefs of the Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas, to intervene and deploy established traditional and peaceful means, to resolve the ongoing disputes.
He also appealed to the ministers for Chieftaincy, National Security and the Interior, as well as the North East and Savanna Regional Security Councils, to take immediate steps to resolve the conflict and restore calm to the area.
FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, TAMALE
