Both The Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic express concern at the looming crisis at Chereponi which is claiming lives. The Times is particularly worried that while efforts are being made to bring peace in one area, other areas cannot just tolerate each other but stay in turmoil leading to the loss of innocent lives. Even more disturbing to the paper is the fact that women and children are the most vulnerable groups bearing the brunt of the violence. While urging community leaders to use their influence to calm down nerves and cooperate with the security agencies, the Times urges the Northern Regional Security Council to be proactive and timely in its response to the situation to prevent the further loss of lives and property.
For its part, the Daily Graphic describes as welcoming news the formation of a joint mediation team to lead the way to bring lasting peace in Chereponi. It is worried that what started as an individual fight last year over a piece of land has claimed the lives of 28 and led to the burning of communities, leaving more than five thousand people displaced. The Graphic urges the youth who are at the forefront of the conflict to reexamine their actions, bearing in mind that any excesses have a negative impact not only on the current generation but also those yet unborn. The papers look forward to the planned Peace conference January 10 and urge all leaders and stakeholders of the two groups to attend and actively participate in the process to find lasting peace in Chereponi.
