By: Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has inaugurated a Mediation Committee as a roadmap towards peace amid the Gbiniyiri Conflict.
The Minister urged the committee to work diligently and submit a comprehensive report, including actionable recommendations, within one month.
Over 13,000 Ghanaians have crossed into neighboring Côte d’Ivoire following violent clashes over land in the Gbiniyiri area of the Savannah Region.
The conflict, which has escalated tensions in the region, has displaced many and brought hardship for many families.
The clashes, which began on Sunday, August 24, have resulted in the tragic loss of 31 lives, widespread destruction of property, and the displacement of many men, women, and children from their homes in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
In response to this crisis and following directives from the National Security Council, the Ministry of the Interior has established a Ministerial Mediation Committee to ensure the safe return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of all affected residents.
At the inauguration, the Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, urged the committee to collaborate closely with traditional authorities, district assemblies, and security agencies.
‘MANDATE OF THE COMMITTEE
‘Request reports, records and relevant data from public institutions and organizations,
‘Visit affected communities and inspect damage to property and infrastructure’
‘Recommend the co-operation of experts and consultants to provide technical advice where necessary’.
MODE OF OPERATION
‘The Committee shall carry out its work with impartiality, transparency and inclusiveness’.
Consultations and dialogues may be held publicly or in-camera as appropriate’.
The Committee may collaborate with NGOs, development partners and religious organizations for technical or logistical support’.
The Chairman of the Committee Mr. Emmanuel Bombande promised to work with relevant stakeholders towards peacebuilding, reconciliation and sustainable resettlement of the affected population.
The Mediation Committee for the Gbiniyiri Conflict will submit periodic progress updates to the Minister for the Interior.
A final, comprehensive report, including key recommendations, will be presented within one month of the committee’s inauguration. This report will serve as a critical guide forGovernment and its partners in providing targeted relief, facilitating reconstruction, fostering reconciliation, and implementing long-term peace building initiatives in the area and beyond.
