Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the various conflicts occurring in parts of Ghana are exerting significant pressure on the national security agencies. He highlighted the growing intolerance in some regions due to disagreements, particularly involving chieftaincy and land disputes.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama discussed how traditionally peaceful areas are experiencing unrest following the death of long-standing rulers, leading to chieftaincy disputes fueled by intolerance and misunderstandings. These disputes sometimes escalate into violence, further burdening the security services. President Mahama made these remarks during a courtesy call by the National Peace Council, led by its Chairman Reverend Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, at the Presidency. The Council aimed to present the challenges hampering its operations to the President for resolution.
The President noted that many security services are deployed in conflict-prone areas like Sampa in the Bono Region, Nkwanta in the Oti Region, and Bawku in the Upper East Region. He added that recently, a contingent was stationed in the Savannah Region, yet multiple conflicts persist throughout the country. These disputes, mainly ethnic and land-related, pose a significant challenge for the government, emphasizing the need to equip the Peace Council to mediate these misunderstandings effectively.
President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the country's religious tolerance and coexistence, describing it as one of Ghana's strengths. Despite the diverse religions, Ghanaians continue to live peacefully together, which he considers a blessing.