Traditional rulers from Gonja and Tampulima communities in the North Gonja District, have promised to ceasefire in the age-long recurring chieftaincy conflict in the Wasipe traditional area.

They were summoned by the Northern Regional Security Council [REGSEC], following renewed clashes which resulted in the death of two persons.

At a meeting with the REGSEC on Thursday January 18, 2018, the traditional leaders condemned the incident and pledged their commitment to broker peace.

Chairman of the REGSEC, Salifu Saeed, said the two factions were asked to create a joint peace committee and submit a road-map to the Council within two weeks.

Two persons have been confirmed dead following a shooting spree in the Saleligu and Diya communities in the North Gonja  district of the Northern Region.

Scores of houses have also been burned down completely in a reprisal within the two communities on Sunday.

The deceased, John Bukari, 45, and Dima Kara, 90, were found in Saleligu and Diya respectively by police officers from Daboya, the North Gonja district capital who were dispatched there after they received a report of violence in the two communities.

Whilst the body of John Bukari was found with gunshot wounds, that of Dima Kara was found burnt in one of the houses that were razed down.

A high-powered delegation from the Gonjaland traditional area in the Northern Region will today [Wednesday], appear before the Commission of inquiry on the proposed creation of new regions.

They are to explain their request for a Gonjaland region over the years.

The Convention People’s Party’s (CPP) 2012 Presidential candidate, Dr. Abu Sakara Foster, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor and Lepowura M.N.D Jawula are the lead advocates.

The creation of Gonjaland region dominated the speeches of the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa I ahead of the 2016 polls.

He reiterated it when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo paid courtesy calls on him during his two “Thank you” tours of the Northern Region.

The President assured him, but admonished them to meet the constitutional requirement of 80% votes at a Referendum.

Some concerned youth of the area have since embarked on a vigorous civic education there.

Gonjaland at a glance

The Gonjaland is densely populated by Gonjas and other minority tribes, and it is the biggest in Northern Region in terms of land.

It has seven districts comprising West Gonja (Damongo), Central Gonja (Buipe), East Gonja (Salaga), North Gonja (Daboya), Bole-Bamboi, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba and Kpandai.

Apart from the Mole National Park and the mysterious Laribanga Mosque, the area is endowed with gold, bauxite and other mineral resources.

River Oti, Black and White Volta, and other water confluence move through the Gonjaland traditional area.

The Savannah Cement (SAVACEM) factory, as well as the Bulk Oil Storage Transport (BOST) plant, are located there.

Former President John Dramani Mahama, incumbent Minister for Zongo and Inner Cities Development, Alhaji Boniface Abubakari Sadique, Minister for Gender and Children Affairs, Otiko Afisah Djaba and the Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited, Dr. Clifford Braimah are some of the famous personalities from Gonjaland.

Two people have died in clashes between Gonjas and Tampulmas in the Northern Region.

The unfortunate incident happened at Dissah, a community in the North Gonja District.

The police said they arrested the son of the Wasipewura and transported him to Tamale, the regional capital, for further investigations.

The deceased have been identified as John Bikari, 45, who was hit by a bullet, as well as a 91-year old woman, Damah Kara, who was burnt in her house.