Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka has inaugurated a seven-member mediation committee with a one-month mandate to resolve the Gbenyiri land conflict in the Savannah Region.
The violent clashes, which began on August 23, 2025, in Gbenyiri in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, spread to surrounding villages. The disturbances have claimed several lives, destroyed property, and displaced more than 50,000 people.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Interior Ministry in Accra, the minister said the committee was constituted on the directive of the National Security Council to reflect government’s commitment to peace, security, and social cohesion.
He outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include facilitating the safe and dignified return of displaced residents, assessing the scope and dynamics of the conflict, and evaluating losses and damages suffered.
The committee is also tasked with promoting reconciliation and dialogue, recommending sustainable peace-building mechanisms, supporting the restoration of livelihoods, and providing actionable recommendations to strengthen local institutions.
“The Government of His Excellency John German Mahama expects that you will conduct your duties with impartiality, transparency, and inclusiveness, engaging with all stakeholders, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, civil society, and security agencies, so that peace and trust can be rebuilt,” the Interior Minister said.
Muntaka assured the committee of full logistical and secretariat support from the Ministry and urged them to partner with civil society organizations, development partners, and faith-based institutions in carrying out their work.
He described the task as “heavy but honorable,” stressing that the people of Gbenyiri and surrounding communities were looking up to the committee as “instruments of peace, reconciliation, and healing.”
The mediation committee is expected to submit its recommendations within one month to help restore long-term peace and stability in the Savannah Region.
The seven-member mediation committee will be chaired by Mr. Emmanuel Habuka Bombande. Other members of the committee include Alhaji Collins Dauda (MP and chair of the Committee on Lands and Natural Resource in Parliament), Rev. Father Lazarus Annyere (Chair of Savannah Regional Peace Council), Dr. Festus Aubyn (West Africa Network for Peace-building), Sylvia Hormane Noagbesenu Esq (Ag. Director of Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center), Prof. Ramatu Alhassan and Dr. George Amoh (Ex. Sec. NPC) who will be the secretary.
Source: myjoyonline
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