Mr Isaac Owusu-Mensah, Senior Programme Manager of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation, (KAS) on Friday, expressed dissatisfaction about the wanton destruction of lives and property in the North, as a result of conflicts.
He said such conflicts diverted the attention of government, to global challenges such as structural development difficulties, unfair world trade systems, minimal human capital, diseases, extreme poverty and natural disasters.
Speaking at a four- day workshop, organised for 70 youth leaders at Sawla, in the Northern Region, by KAS and Tamale Ecclesiastical Province Pastoral Conference (TEPPCON), he noted that this unpardonable behaviour must be condemned by all well meaning Ghanaians, irrespective of their political persuasions and orientation.
It was on the theme: "Sustainable Peace for Sustainable Development- Challenges, Roles and Responsibilities."
The people of the three Northern Regions, he said have had more than enough share of the manifestations and the negative effect of conflicts and was therefore time to say enough was enough.
Mr Owusu- Mensah said the youth in the area, had very often allowed some politicians and opinion leaders to exploit them to accomplish their selfish interest, which had affected their socio-economic development.
He said KAS and TEPPCON decided to implement the programme as part of a civic programme, to sensitize the youth and ensure that they were well equipped to confront any person who sought to exploit them.
Mr Owusu-Mensah asked the participants to be discerning by not allowing politicians to "sow bitter seeds" amongst them, in the bid to canvass for their support and votes.
"Do not succumb to their egoistic aspirations," he said.
The Very Rev. Nicholas K. Apetorgbor, Damongo Diocesan Administrator, of the Catholic Church, said the youth constituted over sixty per cent of the diocesan population and noted that their active involvement in promoting peace in the area, would make it a sustainable venture.
He said peace building dealt primary with the promotion of positive behavioural changes in people.
Ms Agnes Gandaa, TEPPCON-Partnership Co-ordinator, commended KAS for its financial commitment to the Civic Education programme of the province.