By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), July 30, GNA – The newly established Nkwanta Peace Mediation Committee has paid a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) in Dambai, as part of the efforts to promote sustainable peace and reconciliation in the Nkwanta South Municipality.
The visit was to formally introduce the committee, present its vision and objectives, and seek the support of the Regional Coordinating Council and other stakeholders in advancing peace-building initiatives within the municipality.
The committee expressed appreciation to the government for its continued commitment to peace, security and socio-economic development in the Oti Region and commended the Regional Coordinating Council for its leadership in promoting dialogue and maintaining stability across the region.
Members explained that the committee comprises respected representatives from the three indigenous communities directly affected by the Nkwanta conflict.
They noted that the initiative was being facilitated by the Ntrubo people, whose longstanding historical and cultural ties with the three communities placed them in a unique position to foster trust, dialogue and reconciliation.
The committee said the initiative differed from previous mediation efforts because it was community-led, allowing those with a deep understanding of the history, traditions, and underlying causes of the conflict, to drive the peace process.
The committee stressed that sustainable peace could only be achieved through sincere dialogue, mutual respect and collective ownership of the reconciliation process.
It said lasting peace would create an enabling environment for education, trade, investment and socio-economic development to flourish again in Nkwanta.
Members outlined their priorities, which included promoting dialogue among the indigenous communities, strengthening trust and reconciliation, addressing the root causes of recurring conflicts and complementing the efforts of government, traditional authorities, security agencies, religious leaders and civil society organisations.
The committee appealed to the Regional Minister to endorse the initiative and facilitate stronger collaboration with the Regional Peace Council, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, and other relevant institutions to ensure the success of the peace process.
It reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality, inclusiveness, transparency, and respect for the laws of Ghana, assuring the Regional Minister that its activities would remain focused on rebuilding confidence among residents and creating a peaceful environment where people could live, work, and pursue economic opportunities without fear.
The courtesy call marks another step in efforts to restore lasting peace in Nkwanta South and highlights the growing commitment of local stakeholders to champion homegrown solutions to conflict resolution.
The committee expressed optimism that its collaborative approach would complement ongoing government interventions and contribute significantly to restoring unity, stability and sustainable development in the municipality.
Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister who received the delegation, commended members of the committee for taking the initiative to champion a homegrown approach to conflict resolution.
He assured them of the full support of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and government, stressing that peace remained a prerequisite for development and the well-being of the people.
Mr Gyapong said government would continue to support every genuine effort aimed at restoring lasting peace in Nkwanta South and pledged to work closely with the committee and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the mediation process.
He urged members of the committee to remain impartial, patient and committed to their mandate, adding that building lasting peace required perseverance, trust and the collective involvement of all sections of society.
The Regional Minister expressed optimism that the committee’s work would complement ongoing government interventions and contribute significantly to restoring unity, stability and sustainable development in the municipality.
The courtesy call marks another important milestone in the ongoing peace process in Nkwanta South and reflects the growing determination of local stakeholders to champion inclusive and community based solutions to one of the municipality’s long-standing conflicts.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo