The Member of Parliament for Wa West in the Upper West Region, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has visited chiefs in Tuna, Kalba, and Sawla in the Savannah Region as part of efforts to restore peace to Gbenyiri and nearby communities.

Mr Toobu, who was accompanied by the Dagaaba Chief and elders based in the Savannah Region, explained that his mission was to serve as a “natural mediator” and not in his official capacity as Deputy Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee.

He said his closeness to the troubled areas made it necessary for him to appeal to the chiefs and all factions to forgive one another and give peace a chance.

At the palace in Tuna, the Chief of Tuna, Safo Amantana, welcomed the MP’s visit and praised him for making peace his priority. He assured him of his commitment to restoring calm in the area.

“I’m completely happy that this morning you are with us here to talk about nothing but peace. Peace in our constituency, peace in the country, for what is happening here affects the whole country,” the chief said.

He further said that conflicts only worsen poverty and hinder development. “This fight, I emphasise, is needless, completely needless. If you take our poverty situation into account, we will never, never fight anybody. Why should we fight?” he asked.

He urged factions to lay down their weapons and focus on improving lives through education, health, farming, and better roads. “The peace you have brought us is the peace to eradicate hunger, the peace to build our schools and hospitals, and the peace to open our roads,” he said.

“Let us stay at peace. I appeal to everybody here in this constituency, particularly in my town and its surroundings, that there should be no fights. Peace, let’s love one another, let’s grow, let’s develop as a people,” he added.