Clergy in the Volta region call for calm between feuding factions in the Alavanyo and Nkonya communal conflict as a new year begins.

The Ministers of God on separate platforms called for cease-fire to the protracted conflict between the two traditional areas during watch night services to usher in the New Year.

The Moderator Elect of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Rev Dr Seth Agidi in an interview with JoyNews at the EP Church Dela Parish, Ho appealed to residents, especially the youth of the two feuding traditional areas to exercise restraint and give peace a chance. Rev Agidi, who lamented over the effects of the conflict on economic activities in the area, admonished the people to cling onto an everlasting peace as the year begins.

‘As a result of this conflict, the two areas have not been experiencing much in development projects since government is compelled to channel resources into the peace process’’. He noted.

He maintained that citizens should abide with the laws and regulations governing the country and reproached the youth of Alavanyo and Nkonya to observe the curfew imposed on them.

At the Central Assemblies of God Church in Ho, the Volta regional superintendent of the church; and a native of Alavanyo, Rev Joseph Senyo Pongo commended leaders and Security Agencies in the region for professionally curtailing the unrest.

He observed the damaging effects of the age-old conflict on church activities in the area, as Christians in the area do not feel safe congregating in the midst of the troubles.

Rev Pongo underscored the link between peace and development, and assured the people of the church’s support until a perpetual peace pipe is smoked by the two groups.

‘As we begin this year my prayer is that our friends and families in Nkonya and Alavanyo would understand each other and resolve to co-exist peacefully,” he appealed.

A parcel of land which became a bone of contention for the two communities over nine decades has claimed thousands of lives, with the worst affected being women and children.

Despite curfews imposed on the two traditional areas as one of the measures to curb the situation, some residents have disregarded the curfew hours and engaged in exchange of fire rendering the area more volatile.

In a related development, the Volta Regional Superintendent Minister (RSM) of the Apostles Revelation Society, Rev Gershon Doe Gagbetor and the Pastor of The Church of Pentecost Dekpor District in the Aflao Area Richmond Mensah have joined the clarion call for peace by advising Ghanaians to remain united and tolerant to one another.