About half a billion cedis has so far been spent towards helping to mitigate the sufferings of victims of the recent disturbances in Tamale.

The amount comprises the provision of roofing sheets, blankets, sleeping mats, and eating utensils for the victims of the carnage. A statement singed by the Private Secretary to the Minister of Interior, Ms Cyndy Yvonne Osei said the Minister announced this on the third day of his tour of the Northern and Upper regions.

The statement said Mr. Owusu-Agyeman reiterated that without peace there would not be development anywhere in the country hence there is the need to redouble efforts to ensure the maintenance of peace and stability.

The Minister appealed to agencies to continue their good work as the government made efforts to solve their problems to ensure more effective and efficient operations.

At Bawku, the Upper East Regional Minster, Mr. Mahami Salifu told Mr. Owusu-Agyeman that with the exception of Bawku and Bugri, the security situation in the region is stable adding that since August 2002, there has been only one reported armed robbery in the region.

On land encroachment and litigation, the Regional Minister said the necessary consultations are being made to ensure that all problems associated with lands acquired by the government for public use were not affected.

Mr. Owusu-Agyeman noted that there is the need to find the root cause of the Bawku and other similar crises so that they could be resolved once and for all, as Government would not be held hostage by the selfish interest of a few individuals. He said the government would do all that is constitutionally necessary to ensure the maintenance of peace throughout the country.

Mr. Owusu-Agyeman called on the security personnel to intensify their investigations into a recent disturbance between two transport unions over loading rights at a station, which led to the death of one person and the burning of 29 houses.