BONABOTO is deeply saddened by the bloody clash that erupted between the hitherto peace-loving people of Bukere and Bolga Soe on Sunday, 15th January 2006. These two neighbouring communities have lived together in peace and harmony since time immemorial. Land is usually one common cause of conflict and yet these two communities have on no occasion clashed over land because of their good neighbourliness and internal mechanisms for managing and resolving conflicts.

The conflict has affected the livelihoods of the people of these two communities. Most of the people earn their living through petty trading in the Bolgatanga Central Market and along the streets. Others also grow vegetables for sale at the MacLean Dam irrigation area. These two important economic activities have however been brought to a halt due to the hostilities.

Though the timely intervention by the police and military has quelled the disturbances, there is an uneasy calm in the area as there are verbal threats of revenge. In other words, they have only succeeded in putting off the flames but the fire is still smouldering. We therefore appeal to the chiefs, elders and opinion leaders of both communities to restrain the youth so that peace can return to the area.

We wish to express our appreciation to the Regional Minister and the Security Agencies for the swift manner they moved to halt the disturbances. We however wish to call on the law enforcement agencies to swiftly identify and deal resolutely with the culprits. They should however handle this volatile situation with tact so that no perception is created that they are taking sides.

Finally, we wish to express our gratitude to the chiefs, elders and opinion leaders of the two communities for accepting BONABOTO to mediate in the conflict. Preliminary meeting that we have held with them have been cordial and fruitful. It is hoped that this spirit of brotherhood and co-operation will always prevail throughout the mediation talks.

Regional Chairman
(George Nsoh Akundikiya)