By Regina Atule
Mole (S/R), Oct 31, GNA – The STAR Ghana Foundation has organised a two-day stakeholders’ consultative forum aimed at promoting sustainable peace, development and addressing flooding in the five regions in the north.
It was attended by Regional Ministers, Chief Directors, representatives from the Regional Security Councils, Regional Peace Councils, and the Regional Houses of Chiefs to dialogue and develop practical solutions in resolving conflicts in the area.
Mr Saeed Muhazu Jibril, Savannah Regional Minister, speaking during the forum at Mole in West Gonja Municipality, said it was an opportunity to reflect on the root causes of the security challenges in each of the regions and to identify sustainable solutions to addressing them.
Mr Jibril said despite the rich cultural heritage and economic potential, the northern part of the country had experienced various security and development challenges over the years, including the annual floods aggravated by climate change, poor land use practices, and the release of excess water from upstream dams, especially the Bagre Dam that had left many of the communities vulnerable.
He bemoaned the devastating consequences of floods in the area, and mentioned disruption of farming, damaging roads, schools, and health facilities, increasing the risks of water-borne diseases, exacerbating poverty, and fueling communal tensions, thereby creating fertile grounds for conflicts over resources and land use.
He touched on efforts at addressing security concerns in the Savannah Region and said collaborative efforts among traditional authorities, security agencies, local government officials and civil society were helpful in ensuring peace in the area.
Alhaji Ibrahim-Amidu Tanko, Executive Director, STAR Ghana Foundation, said northern Ghana’s crises were interconnected, hence need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to effectively address them.
He urged stakeholders to take proactive measures to effectively address and mitigate the risk of violence during the elections in December.
GNA
