Flag bearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has expressed regret and great disappointment in the recent hostilities between sections of the Gonja and Mamprusi communities along a disputed border between the Soo and Wasipe traditional areas of the North East and Savanna Regions, respectively.

These hostilities, emanating from disputes over traditional jurisdictional issues, have led to the destruction of property and loss of lives.

Mr Mahama described it as “unfortunate”.

In a Facebook post, Mr Mahama said Gonjas and Mamprusis have lived together peacefully for ages and have become family through intermarriage and other social relationships.

“We must endeavour to co-exist peacefully and deploy non-violent means to resolve disputes instead of resorting to arms at the slightest provocation,” he stated.

He said the issues that unite us must surpass those that divide us and urged the people of Soo and Wasipe to channel their resources and energy into fighting poverty and deprivation which is “our common enemies”.

The former President called for the urgent intervention of the Overloads of Mamprugu and Gonjaland and the Paramount Chiefs of the Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas to restore calm and deploy time-tested traditional and peaceful means to resolve the dispute.

He also called on the Ministers for Chieftancy, National Security, and Interior and the North East & Savanna Regional Security Councils to take urgent steps to resolve the conflict and restore calm to the area.

The NDC flagbearer assured the people in Mamprugu and Gonjaland of his readiness to assist in any way possible to bring lasting peace to the area.