Accra, Jan.01, GNA - Mr Mustapha Ahmed-Sanah, Chairman of Northern Ghana Aid (NOGAID), an NGO on Monday said the frequent conflicts in the North were the by-products of poverty, illiteracy and the underdevelopment of human and natural resources in the area.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra during an educational programme organised by NOGAID to mark this year's Eid-Ul-Adha festival, the Muslim holy period of sacrifice, he said the security problems in some parts of the Northern, Upper East and West Regions were undermining socio-economic development.

He asked Muslims to demonstrate faith in God in all their endeavours and be guarded by the spirit of love and tolerance. "Muslims must also reflect on the development of the religion and demonstrate respect, tolerance and unity in their lives to help nurture a cherished legacy for posterity," he added.

Mr Ahmed-Sanah, called on citizens of Dagbon to put the protracted chieftaincy dispute that had bedevilled the area behind them and embrace the roadmap to peace.

He appealed to Government and the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to streamline the peace process with the participation of all the feuding parties.

Mr Ahmed-Sanah called for increased investments from Government and non-governmental organisations in the area to bridge the gap of poverty between the North and the South emphasising that 93It is a moral duty."