Source: newsthemegh.com
John Dramani Mahama, the leader of Ghana’s main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed regret and deep disappointment over the recent fighting between Gonja and Mamprusi communities along a contentious border between the Soo and Wasipe traditional regions of the North East and Savanna Regions, respectively.
These hostilities, which are the result of disagreements over conventional jurisdictional problems, have caused property damage and fatalities.
It was deemed “unfortunate” by Mr. Mahama.
According to Mr. Mahama’s Facebook post, Gonjas and Mamprusis have coexisted happily for a long time and have become family through intermarriage and other social ties.
Instead of using force at the first sign of hostility, he said, “We must work to coexist peacefully and employ non-violent means to resolve disputes.”
In his words, “our common enemies” are poverty and hardship, and those issues must be prioritized over those that separate us. He urged the residents of Soo and Wasipe to focus their resources and efforts on this fight.
The former president urged the Overloads of Mamprugu and Gonjaland as well as the Paramount Chiefs of the Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas to step in immediately to restore calm and use tried-and-true conventional and peaceful methods to settle the disagreement.
He also urged the North East & Savanna Regional Security Councils, the Ministers for Chieftancy, National Security, and Interior, to act quickly to end the unrest and bring tranquility to the region.
The NDC flagbearer gave the residents of Mamprugu and Gonjaland his word that he would do all in his power to help the region achieve enduring peace.