Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged cease fire in the recent clashes between the Gonja and Mamprusi communities in the North East and Savanna Regions, which has led to loss of lives and properties.

According to sources, the conflict between the communities resurfaced following traditional and jurisdictional issues.

Taking his Facebook page to register his displeasure over the issue, Mr. Mahama said the communities have lived together for many years, and as a result should through peaceful means, resolve the dispute.

“Gonjas and Mamprusis have lived together peacefully for ages and have become family through intermarriage and other social relationships. We must endeavour to co-exist peacefully and deploy non-violent means to resolve disputes instead of resorting to arms at the slightest provocation.

“The issues that unite us must surpass those that divide us. I urge the people of Soo and Wasipe to channel their resources and energy into fighting poverty and deprivation, our common enemies.”

The flagbearer of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), also called on Paramount Chiefs of both communities and other stakeholders to act swiftly to ensure peace ensue in the area.

“I call for the urgent intervention of the Overlords of Mamprugu and Gonjaland and the Paramount Chiefs of the Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas to restore calm and deploy time-tested traditional and peaceful means to resolve the dispute.

I also call on the Ministers for Chieftancy, National Security, Interior and Defence and the North East & Savanna Regional Security Councils to take urgent steps to resolve the conflict and restore calm to the area.

Let me assure my brothers and sisters in Mamprugu and Gonjaland of my readiness to assist in any way possible to bring lasting peace to the area.”

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah