Iyke: Residents of Bumpkurugu- Yunyoo implored to co-exist peacefully

Some beneficiaries waiting anxiously for their share

Some bags of maize on display

Rev. Atidoo doin the official presentation. with him is the Chief of Nasuan

The Parish Priest of Bumkpurugu Catholic Parish, Rev Yosef Griday has emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation in trouble areas of Bumpkurugu –Yunyoo. Peace, he said can only reign in the area if parties involved in conflict situations remain assertive in settling their differences through dialogue. Rev Griday, however, called for peaceful co-existence among the people and urged them to refrain from all divisive tendencies capable of jeopardizing their long standing relationship. Rev. Griday gave the advice at Kpemale when he presented assorted items to affected victims of the recent communal clashes between Bimobas and Konkombas. The items valued at the cost of GHc16, 000 included 110 maxi bags of maize, 165 mats as well as 165 water cans among others. It was made through the effort of the National Catholic Secretariat with support by the Missionaries of the Africa under the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese. The donation was in support of persons affected during the recent hostilities and to sympathize and restore hope in them Presenting the items on behalf of the diocese, Rev Griday said the church was disturbed about the recent troubles that erupted after disagreements over the true ownership of a parcel of land, thus, culminating in the destruction of lives and property at Kpemale. The unfortunate development, he further said had affected the lives of the people, particularly women, children and the aged. The church, he indicated, equally condemns the retaliatory attacks that characterized the conflict and appealed to both factions to smoke the peace pipe since they share a common language with one culture and tradition.. The Vicar General of the diocese, Rev. Gabriel Atidoo, reiterated the essence of peace and reconciliation and expressed the church’s resolved to restoring hope in the people. According to him, the Catholic Church will not relent in its effort to advancing the cause of conflict mediation interventions and recounted the effort of the church in the attainment of peace in some prone conflict areas of Northern Ghana. Rev Atidoo also challenged the people to devise possible means of settling issues and not resort to violence. The government, he moreover, noted, needs to be assertive in resolving conflict in trouble areas of Northern Ghana and challenged the state to partner the church in that regard. Fr. Steve Oftenkot, member missionaries of Africa said in any conflict there is no clear winner; the end result therefore, is regret and appealed to the people to remain calm for peace to prevail. The Chief of Nasuan, Daniel Wajack and the Police Commander in Charge, ASP Mick Dandy Zah, were grateful to the Church for its sense of love for humanity and touched on the urgent need for peace and tolerance among the people. Present at the event include the Acting Development Coordinator of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, Joseph Ayambillah, the Fmr Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Thomas Anamoo and Rev Fr. John Bosco Ntihebuwayo among other functionaries.

GBC END IA/