Tamale, Dec. 25, GNA - Lieutenant-Colonel Ivan Aryeetey, Commanding Officer of the Airborne Force (ABF) in Tamale, has urged parties involved in the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute to resort to the court system to settle disputes instead of using violence. Lt. Col. Aryeetey was speaking at the annual celebration of the West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) of the Airborne Force in Tamale on Friday. He said, "We strongly urge the appropriate authorities to see to the urgency in resolving such disputes so that monies spent on maintaining security could be channelled to development projects for the people". The Commanding Officer described this year's internal operation of the ABF as "very successful," saying, "We should continue to remain vigilant in the years ahead and put in extra effort to curb the spate of murders and armed robberies..."

The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface said the sustenance of the country's democracy would depend on the commitment of the security agencies. He, therefore, urged the military to be loyal and dedicated to duty and assured the personnel that government was committed to providing the necessary logistics to enhance their work. He commended the military for the prevailing peace and security in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions and for helping to curb the spate of armed robbery in these areas. Among the soldiers, who received awards for their outstanding performance was Sergeant Eugene Kofi Dua, was adjudged this year's overall best soldier. The occasion was also used to honour some retired soldiers, who had served with the Battalion. They were Regimental Sergeant Major Musah Gariba, Warrant Officers Charles Kofi Victor, Kofi Peter Abachea, Patrick Boaha, Robert Amoah, and Richard Abbey.