Districts in UER to establish Inter-Ethnic Peace Committees

Bolgatanga, Nov 13, GNA - The nine districts in the Upper East Region are to establish Inter-Ethnic Peace Committees to assist their Security Committees in resolving some of the simmering conflicts in the area. Such committees would comprise: representatives of ethnic groups, traditional organisations, and all other key groupings in the area, that would reflect a true representation of the Districts.

Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, said this in Bolgatanga during the recent anniversary celebrations of the region. He noted that the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee had done so well and contributed significantly to peace in Bawku and that had convinced him and other stakeholders that similar committees in the Districts would help stop potential conflicts before they erupt. He said there was every indication that the peace in Bawku would be sustained and commended the Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee, the security agencies and the people of Bawku for the respective roles they played in bringing peace to the area.

He noted that without peace investors would not do business in the region and called on the people to eschew tribalism, sectarianism, factionalism, the 'pull me down' syndrome and undermining each other. Mr Woyongo, on behalf of the region, thanked President John Atta Mills for his personal interest in ensuring that peace returned to Bawku, saying, "We acknowledge the high-powered delegation you sent to mediate the conflict and the provision of a bus to facilitate the work of the Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee".

"I wish to assure you, Mr President, that the people of the Upper East Region have no doubt in your capability and are indeed grateful to you for the development of a master plan to address the North-South inequities, through the establishment of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) and the anniversary present in the form of street lighting, traffic lights, ICT Training Centre and the rehabilitation of some government buildings and urban roads," he added. 13 Nov. 10