The Chairman of the Upper West Regional Peace Council, Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Nuolabong says despite Ghana being seen as a beacon of hope for democracy, good governance and stability in Africa, Ghana is still plagued by pockets of violence emanating from different sources.
He identified ethnic tensions, resource based conflicts, religious differences, chieftaincy disputes and political mayhem among others as responsible for pockets of violence that have claimed many lives and property in the country.
Rev. Fr. Nuolabong made the remarks at stakeholders’ engagement to mark International Day of Peace in the Upper West Region at Wa.
GBCs Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo reports that Rev. Fr. Nuolabong was unhappy that the persistent conflicts that have resulted in violence are found in Northern Ghana.
He continued that in recent times, there have been clear signs of inter-connected cycle of violence from one generation to another.
The major challenge before peace actors is how to break this cycle and construct sustainable peace in the Region.
“Efforts at both national and regional levels in creating a peaceful society have not yielded much result, because peace building interventions have failed to take holistic or integrative approach which recognizes the co-existence of the various contributory factors including youth unemployment, poverty, ignorance, bribery and corruption”, the Rev. Fr. Stated.
Poverty and youth unemployment continue to be part of the major drivers of violent conflicts in Northern Ghana.
Indeed, economic imperatives and unresolved conflicts are the more the chief drivers for youth deciding to join are form radical political youth groups.
Rev. Fr. Nuolabong said: In the Upper West Region existing and emerging security challenges threaten the regional peace and human security.
Notably, chieftaincy disputes, land disputes, armed robbery, theft cases like motor bike stealing, breaking into peoples rooms, political tension ,created through the activities of party foot soldiers and political and social communicators and sexual and gender based violence.
The Executive Secretary of the Regional Peace Council, Emmanuel Danyomah observed that in spite of the logistical challenges of the council, it will do well to deliver on its mandate.
He noted: “We will not rely on the issue of no resources that we cannot continue to engage people. I keep asking should we allow people to continue fighting because we dont have fuel to put in our car and run to the community. That one, we can’t do that, it is not acceptable….Whether there is resources or no resources, the little we get, we must let the world hear of us that this is what we can do for the region.”
Some of the participants suggested that peace councils should be formed at the district level.
Story Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
