Former president, John Dramani Mahama has called on factions in the Mamprusi-Gonja clash at Lukula in the Savannah Region to cease fire.
In a statement, the former leader described the violent clash that broke out between the two tribes as unfortunate and regrettable.
He noted that the Mamprusi and Gonjas have, over the years, established familial relations living together in the Soo and Wasipe areas and must not engage in acts that disturb the peace in the area.
He entreats them to rather redirect their energies to tackling poverty and deprivation which have bedevilled the areas.
“Gonjas and Mamprusis have lived together peacefully for ages and have become family through intermarriage and other social relationships. We must endeavour to co-exist peacefully and deploy non-violent means to resolve disputes instead of resorting to arms at the slightest provocation”.
He added, “the issues that unite us must surpass those that divide us. I urge the people of Soo and Wasipe to channel their resources and energy into fighting poverty and deprivation, our common enemies”.
Mr. Mahama also called for “the urgent intervention of the overloads of Mamprugu and Gonjaland as well as the Paramount Chiefs of the Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas to restore calm and de-escalation while deploying Traditional and and peaceful means of resolving the dispute over the lands in the area”.
He is asking the government and the security apparatus to urgently put in place responsive measures to “to resolve the conflict and restore calm to the area”.
The violent clash between the two tribes in the North Gonja District reportedly broke out in the dawn of June 1, 2023 following days of brewing tension over the arrival of rival chief from Daboya.
At least, seven persons including a Mamprusi chief of the Kuwerigu community are said to have been killed and several others injured with many houses belonging to the members of the Mamprusi tribe razed down.
