The Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) team has met the leaderships of the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities at separate meetings where the Regional Minister appealed to them to lay down their arms so peace would reign in the area. The REGSEC Chairman, who is also a native of Bawku, advised the people to consider the level of destruction caused by the recent floods in some parts of the area and the region as a whole and imagine how the ethnic clash could affect the development of the municipality. Mr. Samari stressed that violence was not the best way to settle differences, hence the need to soften their stance and resort to the use of dialogue and other peaceful means. He urged the feuding parties to cooperate with the security agencies to bring the situation under control, while efforts were being made to ensure that lasting peace returned to the area. The Upper East Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Ofosu Mensah-¬Gyeabour warned that the security personnel on the ground would not countenance any action by any person or group of persons who might attempt to jeopardize the peace the nation was currently enjoying. According to him, Bawku was an important area in northern Ghana and their action could frighten supporters who intended to travel to Tamale to participate in the Ghana 2008 football tournament. He said the 2008 general elections was also around the corner, hence the need for understanding by both parties to ensure a peaceful election in the area. The Regional Police Commander charged traditional authorities, opinion leaders and politicians to educate and impart good virtues on the youth and orient them to embrace development in unity. An elder of the Mamprugu clan, Alhaji Akalif Abugri, assured the REGSEC of the clan's cooperation with the security personnel on the ground. Bawku Nabah Asigri Abugrago Azokah II later held a meeting with the REGSEC team behind closed doors after which the Regional Minister announced that the chief had promised that his people would cooperate with the security agencies. The recent violent clash between the Mamprusis and Kusasis was believed to have been sparked by an armed robbery incident allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen at a time the Samanpiid festival was being celebrated. History has it that the Mamprusis were invited by the Kusasis from Nalerigu in modern-day Northern Region to help them fight an enemy tribe that was harassing the people of the area. After they had conquered the enemy, the Mamprusis, upon the request of the then leader of the Kusasis, continued to reside in the area. The two ethnic groups had since lived together with both selecting their chiefs and celebrating their various festivals. The Mamprusis celebrate Damba while the Kusasis celebrate Samanpiid. This had been going on peacefully for some time until the struggle for supremacy, recognition and ownership of the Bawku Traditional Area set in. Source: Daily Guide