The Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Issifu Be-Awuribe, led a high-powered Regional Security Council (REGSEC) delegation to neighbouring Vonkore in Côte d’Ivoire to broker a peace deal with over 1,400 residents who fled their homes in the Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba districts of the Savannah Region following the Gbinyiri violent clash.
The visit, part of REGSEC’s measures to reintegrate victims back into their communities, aims to lay the foundation for a possible roadmap for lasting peace with the Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, his sub-chiefs, and the Birofor and Lobi communities in both districts.
At Vonkore, the regional minister expressed his displeasure at seeing his people, especially children, living in open and unfamiliar conditions, and assured them of efforts to support their reintegration.
Mr. Be-Awuribe attributed the conflict to unverified misinformation on social media, which largely contributed to the unrest, and promised to address the issue.
He explained that REGSEC would lead the development of a peaceful roadmap, beginning with comprehensive documentation of agreements, entering into partnerships, and clearly outlining the dos and don’ts within the area.
Ivorian leaders, in turn, assured their Ghanaian counterparts of their professionalism and full cooperation, adding that no Ivorians would be allowed to cross into Ghana to cause mayhem.
The Ivorians later guided the Ghanaian team through a dedicated camp set up to shelter the victims.
The delegation from Ghana also donated 10 bags of rice and two cans of cooking oil to support the victims’ upkeep.