The Upper East regional Minister, Albert Abongo, has indicated that the greatest challenges hindering the development of the country, especially the three regions up north are tribal, religious, land and chieftaincy conflicts.

According to him, the Upper East Region cannot attain the much needed development in an atmosphere of chaos and violence.

Speaking at the 59th Independence Day celebration in the Upper East Region on Sunday March 6, Mr Abongo urged Ghanaians to ensure peace during the upcoming general elections.

“One major challenge facing developing countries such as Ghana, for that matter the north, is tribal, religious, land, and chieftaincy conflicts, many of which end up in violence. The region cannot, therefore, attain the much needed development in an atmosphere of chaos and violence,” Mr Abongo warned.

“Let us resolve to end and prevent these acts that lead to dividing and impoverishing us.

“Secondly, Ghana is going to the polls November this year and I want to seize the opportunity to urge that let us work hard to ensure that elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

“Conflict is the greatest obstacle in doing business in any society. Taking a cue from countries that have gone through electoral violence, we cannot afford to [fail]…Ghana should not break because we are going to choose our leaders”.