The Mamprugu Overlord, Naa Bohagu Mahami Ab­dulai Sheriga, has under­scored the need for peace if the Bawku area and the country as a whole were to develop.

During a courtesy call on Pres­ident John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra on Thurs­day, a delegation representing the Overlord commended the Presi­dent’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Bawku area.

In a speech read for him by the leader of the delegation and Par­amount Chief of Bongo Tradi­tional Area, Bo-Naba Baba Salifu Lemyaarum, the Nayiri said, “We are deeply inspired by your govern­ment’s focus on peace and national security, recognising that without peace, our dream of development will remain elusive.

“Your resolve to strengthen our national peace infrastructure and support traditional solutions to conflict, especially in the Bawku conflict, is commendable and assuring.”

He commended President Ma­hama for the planned development for the North East Region, the appointment of sons and daugh­ters of the area into his adminis­tration and the early signs of good governance and prudent economic management.

Bo-Naba Baba Salifu Lemy­aarum entreated the appointees to return the favour and confidence reposed in them by the President and serve diligently and faithfully.

“I urge every son and daughter of Mamprugu and all Ghanaians to reset themselves at the individ­ual level to be ready for this new era of hard work, innovation and productivity. Let us embrace this new national spirit so that togeth­er we can build an economy that works for all.”

Welcoming the delegation to the seat of government, President Mahama disclosed that the Over­lord, also known as the Nayiri, has shown commitment to the peace process in Bawku.

“I was with His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, two days ago, and he briefed me on the cooperation you have given him in finding a final traditional solution to the conflict.

“I commend you for the con­cessions you are willing to make to see lasting peace in Bawku,” the President said.

The government, President Mahama said, would support the peace building process to restore Bawku, once a thriving commercial hub, to its glory days.

He said the decades-old conflict has stagnated Bawku’s develop­ment with civil and public servants rejecting posting to the area, thus denying the resi­dents critical public service.

President Maha­ma urged all stake­holders in the peace building process to give their all and expedite mediation talks to restore peace and normalcy to Bawku and its environs.

With the President were the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and the Secretary to the President, Dr Cal­listus Mahama, among other senior government officials.

The Nayiri’s delegation consist­ed of Mamprusi paramount and sub-chiefs, political appointees and Members of Parliament from the region.