The Northern Development Forum (NDF) is deeply troubled by the resurgence and intensification of mindless violence and the resultant needless deaths of innocent citizens in Bawku.

The people of Bawku and its environs have witnessed untold suffering in the last four (4) years. There are no signs that this carnage will end anytime soon because the acts of provocation and impunity appear to be intensifying by the day.

We are appalled that scarce resources have to be diverted from promoting livelihoods and development to the endless security and so-called mediation efforts. Citizens of Northern Ghana are completely dismayed and traumatised by the intensity of the recent clashes and call upon the government to exercise its authority to sanitise the Bawku area for peace to prevail.

We are greatly concerned by the seeming absence of discernible government strategy and programme aimed at removing the agent provocateurs in the Bawku area.

The NDF once again wishes to admonish our Northern compatriots to reflect deeply on the consequences of resorting to violence to resolve matters arising from minor ethnic, traditional and Cultural differences.

Unless we the people of Northern Ghana unite in one accord in the pursuit of peace and development, we will dissipate our energies and resources in never-ending conflicts founded upon dubious historical narratives that have no relevance for the accelerated development of our communities as we so much desire.

Once again, Northern Ghanaians without exception, are confronted by poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. These intolerable ethnic clashes will not contribute to the success or development of any community.

We should continue to cherish the richness and diversity of our cultures and history. We believe that our cultural and historical diversities are an invitation for mutual respect, cooperation, learning and sharing of our unique identities. These differences should never provide any grounds for power struggles and domineering.

Brothers and sisters, put the guns and swords aside and let us join hands to make our communities better places for our future generations.