A non-partisan organisation, the Northern Development Forum (NDF) has called on its northern compatriots to reflect deeply on the consequences of resorting to violence to resolve matters arising from minor ethnic, traditional and cultural differences.

It said it was deeply concerned about the resurgence and intensification of violence at Bawku which has resulted in needless deaths of innocent citizens in the area.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the NDF, Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd) said the conflict had put the people of Bawku through untold suffering in the past four years and it was worrying that despite calls for peace, there was no end in sight to the conflict that resurged four years ago.

It said unfortunately, there were no signs that the carnage would end soon “because the acts of provocation and impunity appear to be intensifying by the day.

“Unless we the people of northern Ghana unite in one accord in the pursuit of peace and development, we will dissipate our energies and resources in never-ending conflicts founded upon dubious historical narratives that have no relevance for the accelerated development of our communities as we so much desire.

“Once again, northern Ghanaians without exception are confronted by poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. These intolerable ethnic clashes will not contribute to the success or development of any community,” the statement further said.

NDF

The NDF is a group that seeks to bring together people from the five Northern regions of Ghana to promote peace and development in their communities.

Discernable strategy

Major Don-Chebe (Rtd) said it was unfortunate that the resources to support the livelihoods and development have had to be diverted to “fund the endless security and so-called mediation efforts.”

“Citizens of northern Ghana are completely dismayed and traumatised by the intensity of the recent clashes and call upon the government to exercise its authority to sanitise the Bawku area for peace to prevail.