Gbenyiri Crisis: Ntim Fordjour cautions against politicising tribal conflicts

Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has urged political leaders to refrain from politicising tribal conflicts, warning that such actions only deepen divisions and worsen insecurity.

In a post on X on Thursday, September 4, Rev Ntim Fordjour drew attention to the escalating violence in Gbenyiri in the Savannah Region, where the death toll has reportedly climbed to 31, with some 48,000 people displaced.

“Gbenyiri conflict in Savannah Region; death toll rises to 31 with 48,000 displaced. You see why it’s dangerous to politicise tribal conflicts? Now your own backyard is sadly in crisis,” he wrote.

“Let’s say no to politicising tribal conflicts. Let’s all pray for calm in Gbenyiri and Bawku,” he added.

Northern Command reveals cause of Gbiniyiri violence

The caution by the ranking member comes on the back of growing national concern over renewed outbreaks of violence in the Northern Region of Ghana; particularly in Bawku, where long-standing tensions have frequently erupted into deadly clashes.

Rev Ntim Fordjour stressed that peacebuilding, not partisanship, must remain the focus, if lives are to be saved and displaced communities restored.

Gbiniyiri Conflict: NADMO rescues distraught victims of violent clashes

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Interior, Muhammed Mubarak-Muntaka has confirmed that over 13,000 Ghanaians affected by the Gbiniyiri conflict are now refugees in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.

The minister made the confirmation during an interview on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Gbinyiri conflict in Savannah Region: Death toll rises to 31 with 48,000 displaced. You see why it’s dangerous to politicize tribal conflicts? Now your own backyard is sadly in crisis. Let’s say NO to politicizing tribal conflicts. Let’s all pray for calm in Gbinyiri and Bawku🙏🏽

— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) September 4, 2025

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