The Sissala Union has appealed to traditional rulers in the Sissala Area in Upper West Region to forge unity of purpose and find amicable settlement of all chieftaincy and land disputes, to enhance development at home.

Dr Roger Kanton, President of the Union said such disputes divide the people more than politics and religion.

He said as trustees of the people, traditional rulers have the mandate to ensure unity, peace and harmony in all the divisions of the Sissala Area for development.

Dr Kanton, who made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra at the weekend, said the Union is prepared to work with the chiefs and all other community opinion leaders for the settlement of chieftaincy and land disputes, to ensure peaceful co-existence and progress.

“The Union wants to see the Tumu Kuoru, Gwollu Kuoru, Ziini Kuoru, Lambussie Kuoru, and Wallembelle Kuoru, coming together to find amicable settlement of the protracted chieftaincy disputes at Pulima, Funsi and Kojokperi Traditional Areas as well as finding peaceful means to clear the land dispute between Nimoro and Fielemuo”, Dr Kanton stressed.

He explained that the mandate of the chiefs would be more beneficial and cherish by all if they are in the forefront of settling disputes and lobbying government for development projects.

Dr Kanton urged the chiefs to consider establishing a “Sissala State Council” that would involve all Sissala no matter which districts they belong in order to plan for development.

Such a Council, Dr Kanton said should serve as the identity and mouthpiece of the Sissala to lobby government, foreign investors and donors to facilitate development.

He said the Sissala Area is endowed with rivers, rocks, and arable land, which should be tapped to enhance the livelihoods of the people.

He, however, expressed regret that the area is missing out because it lacks a strong force to push its development agenda.

Dr Kanton appealed to Sissala resident out of the region, to visit home and invest while those in public of place of trust should lobby for development projects.