Bolgatanga, April 22, GNA - The Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese of the Catholic Church has initiated an educational programme targeting the youth and groups at the grassroots level in peace building as part of measures to find lasting solution to the Bawku conflict. It would in addition, establish a centre at Bawku to be solely responsible for supporting efforts of communities in the promotion of peace and reconciliation.

Most Reverend Lucas Abadamloora, Bishop of the Diocese and President of Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference announced these in a paper presented at a Forum in Bolgatanga organized by National Peace Council to deliberate on measures to assist residents of Bawku Municipality to achieve stable and sustainable peace. He noted that the long-standing violent conflict in Bawku had not only caused physical destruction of lives and property but also inflicted deep psychological, spiritual and social scars on the people that would need a long process of healing, reconciliation and reconstruction.

Bishop Abadamloora called on churches and muslim groups to pray for peace for Bawku and other conflict areas in the country, "so that there would be divine intervention for the people to have forgiveness and peace in their hearts."

"Reconciliation and peace is at the heart of the mission of the churches as entrusted to us by Jesus Christ who is the Prince of Peace. He alone gives peace in the world."

"We are not only interested in peace but must be involved in efforts to heal, reconcile and bring peace to conflict areas." Bishop Abadamloora commended Government for the timely intervention that brought an end to the violence in Bawku and for mandating the National Peace Council to help find lasting solution to the conflict.