“Undoubtedly, most of our security issues in the region are centred around land and chieftaincy disputes that continue to impede the development of communities in such situations,” he stressed.

Therefore, he entreated people with a deep understanding of local customs and values to effectively facilitate dialogue and resolve differences using traditional conflict resolution mechanisms in a manner that promotes peace and security.

Dr Salih was addressing the annual N’daakoya festival of the chiefs and people of Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District last Saturday.

It was on the theme: “The role of all indigenes and social partners for peace, security and development of Zuarungu”.

Foundation

He indicated that the foundation of any community’s development lay in the hands of its people, saying: “History has shown that no progress is sustainable without the active participation of indigenous people.”

He added that the role of indigenes and social partners in promoting peace, security and development cannot be overemphasised and added that development cannot take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.

“As traditional authorities, it is expected that you would form community watch communities that monitor and report suspicious activities within your respective jurisdiction,” the regional minister said.

This, he said, was a traditional practice that should be encouraged, as it will help to identify challenges before they escalate, ensuring that communities remain a haven for all.He charged the traditional councils to work in harmony with their respective municipal and district assemblies (MDAs) to formulate and gazette bylaws to address substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and alcoholism among the youth.

Further, he appealed to the people to collectively support the numerous government initiatives and interventions being undertaken in the district to ensure that they are inured to their own benefit.

Community library

The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dr Dominic A. Ayine, commended the people for their continuous support and unflinching dedication to the growth and development of the district for the benefit of all.

He announced that the new Zuarungu community library would officially be handed over in November this year for use, to enhance teaching and learning in the area.

The Paramount Chief of the Zuarungu Traditional Area, Naba Bilia Maletinga III, expressed concern that their eastern neighbours in the Talensi District were infiltrating their lands due to the failure of the government to properly demarcate the boundaries of the district.

He, therefore, urged the government to demarcate its boundaries with the Talensi District to curtail any future eventualities and also called for a proper layout of Zuarungu, the district capital, or else it risked being plunged into haphazard development.

He commended the government and Dr Ayine for executing numerous developments in various sectors to fast-track the development of the district.

Furthermore, he appealed to the government to fast-track the ongoing construction of an Agenda 111 hospital in Katanga, which was expected to bring healthcare delivery closer to the thousands of residents in the district.