Minister urges peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups

Bolgatanga, May 12, GNA - Mr Boniface Gambila, Upper East Regional Minister, has urged ethnic groups in the region to strive for unity and peaceful co-existence to ensure development, stressing that conflicts exacerbate poverty and promote retrogression.

"Our main concern now should be food, shelter and education," he said, when a seven-member delegation from the Gonja community in Bolgatanga paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday to congratulate him on his appointment as Regional Minister.

Mr Gambilla urged members of the Gonja community to participate actively in the development of the area, which he said had become their second home and also respect traditional authority. A spokesman for the delegation, Mr Philip Sulemana told the Regional Minister that a number of Gonjas reside in Bolgatanga and are engaged in commercial activities.

"Our kinsmen are peace-loving and law-abiding," he said. Mr. Sulemana expressed appreciation to the Regional Minister and the chiefs and people of the Upper East for the hospitality and brotherly treatment accorded to members of the Gonja community.