The Member of Parliament for Offinso North, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, has urged lawmakers to view Ghana's rich cultural diversity as a source of national strength rather than a cause for division.

In a compelling statement delivered on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the MP addressed the escalating tribal conflicts across various regions, which he described as a critical challenge to the nation's peace and development.

He emphasised the need for immediate action to address tribal conflicts, adding that such efforts would go a long way in preserving Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of unity and development on the continent.

“Mr. Speaker, Ghana is a country endowed with diverse cultures and traditions, and this same diversity should be our strength, not a burden. Only through conscious efforts, collective resolve, and an inclusive approach to conflict resolution can we address tribal conflicts and achieve lasting peace in our nation.

“Let us commit ourselves as a Parliament to ensuring that Ghana remains a beacon of unity and progress in Africa. The time to act is now, for the cost of inaction is far greater than the effort required to resolve these conflicts,” he stated.

Dr. Asamoah highlighted several areas where conflicts have intensified, notably Bawku in the Upper East Region, Nkwanta in the Oti Region, and parts of the Northern, Bono East, and Volta Regions.

He noted that these conflicts, often centered around land ownership, chieftaincy titles, resource distribution, and political affiliations, have led to significant human and economic losses, including deaths, destruction of property, and the displacement of populations.

“Mr. Speaker, over the years, tribal warfare in Ghana has increased, primarily due to disputes over land ownership, chieftaincy titles, resource allocation, and political affiliations. These conflicts are prevalent in Bawku in the Upper East Region, Nkwanta in the Oti Region, and various parts of the Northern, Bono East, and Volta Regions. They have resulted in loss of lives, property damage, displacement of populations, and disruptions to economic activities.

“These conflicts have dire implications. Beyond their immediate humanitarian toll, they undermine social cohesion, breed mistrust between communities, and hinder the joint development of affected areas. They also drain national resources, as significant funds are redirected toward ensuring security and rebuilding devastated infrastructure,” he underscored.

To address these issues, Dr. Asamoah proposed strengthening local governance and traditional authority.

"We must empower and equip traditional leaders, Regional and District Security Councils, and other local stakeholders with the tools and resources needed for peaceful dispute resolution. Clear and enforceable guidelines should be established to address land disputes and chieftaincy disagreements," he emphasised.

According to him, this approach would provide local entities with the autonomy and support necessary to manage conflicts at their source.

Another key strategy he outlined was the establishment of early warning and response systems.

He also suggested that leveraging technology, community participation, and intelligence gathering would help prevent disputes from escalating into violence.

Dr. Asamoah called for efforts to educate citizens about the harmful effects of tribal conflicts and to promote values of unity, tolerance, and coexistence through civic education and media campaigns.

He stressed that a well-informed populace is less likely to succumb to division and more inclined toward peace.

The Offinso North MP further addressed economic development as another critical area. He pointed out that many conflicts stem from a lack of economic opportunities and competition over scarce resources.

"If we seize this opportunity to invest in the underlying causes of these conflicts such as infrastructure development, job creation, and equitable resource distribution we can make significant progress in resolving these disputes," he argued, advocating for strategic investments to mitigate the economic roots of tribal tensions.

He also called for a review and strengthening of national policies, particularly through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.

"The Ministry must receive adequate funding to diversify its operations; it should act more proactively in conflict situations," Dr. Asamoah stated, urging reforms in laws concerning land administration and succession to traditional titles to align with modern realities.

Finally, he emphasised the need to involve religious and civil society organizations in managing tribal conflicts.

He noted that religious groups and civil society organizations could play a significant role in mobilizing social actors and promoting peace.

"Their involvement will enhance the credibility and neutrality of efforts aimed at resolving conflicts," he noted.

BAI/MA