The Ministry for the Interior has stepped up efforts to enhance security across 334 conflict-prone areas identified nationwide to restore peace and stability.

Consequently, it is engaging relevant stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the various conflicts, which include communal, religious and land-related disputes.

Speaking during a working visit to the Northern Region last Wednesday, the sector minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, indicated that the number of conflict hotspots in the region had significantly reduced from 14 to six, indicating some progress and a readiness of all interested parties to resolve the issues.

Visit

As part of the tour, the minister paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, Regent of Zabzugu, Tugu-Lana Alhaji Muhammad Ibn Umar, and the Paramount

Chief of Savelugu, Yoo Naa Yakubu Andani, to familiarise himself with them and foster stronger collaboration to promote peace.

He also interacted with members of the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the various security agencies.

Undocumented migrants

In his remarks, Alhaji Mubarak raised concerns about the increasing presence of beggars on the streets of Tamale, describing the situation as a nuisance and a threat to national security.

He hinted at plans to embark on an operation to rid the metropolis of beggars and criminals, adding that major cities, including Tamale, Kumasi, Takoradi, Accra and Koforidua, were being targeted for the exercise.

“All undocumented migrants should either return to where they came from or face deportation.

We will go after them, including the prostitutes parading the streets in our major cities,” he warned.

The minister emphasised that while Ghana welcomes individuals who come to do legitimate business and contribute to national development, it will not tolerate activities that threaten societal order and public safety.

Collaboration

For his part, Ya-Na Abukari II commended the minister for his visit and reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the ministry to ensure peace and stability in the area.

“As custodians of our communities’ traditions and values, our input can be invaluable in shaping policies that affect our people,” he said.

He, therefore, called on the ministry to prioritise community engagement and adopt a just and fair approach in its interventions.

The Paramount Chief for Savelugu also appealed to the government to provide adequate resources to security personnel to enhance their operations.

He further advised the youth against drug abuse, citing its negative impact on them and the country’s development.