Dr Henry Seidu Danaa, Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs has underscored the need for the traditional councils to take bold steps to settle all disputes within their jurisdictions to enhance peaceful coexistence.

He said peace and unity are bedfellows for economic growth, hence, the need for traditional rulers and council members to constantly be on top of issues by identifying all petty squabbles for settlement before they become potential threats to peace and unity.

Dr Danaa made the call during the celebration of the 5th edition of the Bon-Ngo Festival of the chiefs and people of the Jirapa Traditional Area in the Upper West Region.

The Chieftaincy Minister commended the chiefs and people of Jirapa for instituting the festival to serve as a vehicle for the promotion of peace and unity among the people.

Mr James Tiigah Zuugah, Acting Regional Minister appealed to the people to develop the festival to help attract investors to the area.

Naa Ansole Ganaah II, Paramount Chief of the Jirapa thanked the government for its commitment to development.

He appealed to the government to develop the Jirapa hospital to meet the health needs of the people and also extend electricity to the rural areas and work on the bad roads to open up the area to economic activities to enhance the livelihood of the people.

Both Dr Danaa and Mr Zuugah donated GH? 15,000.00 on behalf of government to support the festival.