Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for the intervention of the Overlords of Mamprugu and Gonjaland to address hostilities between sections of the Gonja and Mamprusi communities along a disputed border between the Soo and Wasipe traditional areas.

The former President in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said: “I have learnt with regret and great disappointment recent hostilities between sections of the Gonja and Mamprusi communities along a disputed border between the Soo and Wasipe traditional areas of the North East and Savanna Regions, respectively”.

He noted that these hostilities, emanating from disputes over traditional jurisdictional issues, had led to the destruction of property and loss of lives; saying “This is unfortunate”.

He said Gonjas and Mamprusis had lived together peacefully for ages and had 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,” he said.

“The issues that unite us must surpass those that divide us.”

Former President Mahama urged the people of Soo and Wasipe to channel their resources and energy into fighting poverty and deprivation, their common enemies.

“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,” he stated.

He also called on the Ministers of Chieftaincy, National Security and the Interior, and the North East and 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,” Former President Mahama said.