Star Ghana Foundation, a non governmental organization that works to increase the effectiveness of citizens and civil society to achieve an equitable, inclusive society by convening inclusive dialogue and collaboration has held its 4th dailogue of state and non state actors on Peace and Security for the five Northern Regions.
The dialogue was held at Mole National Park conference hall in the Savannah Region on 28th October 2024.
After a recap of some main decisions and follow up of the 3rd dialogue and brief remarks on progress of implementation, the dialogue discussed emerging issues concerning the upcoming December 7th 2024 elections, violent extremism, conflicts and the way forward.
In a welcome address the Savannah Regional Minister Hon Saeed Muhazu Jibril said the dailogue will not only be about fostering peace and security but also about addressing the devastating consequences of perennial floods, which have become a recurrent issue in northern Ghana.
According to Hon. Muhazu these floods have not only caused the displacement of the people of the five Northern Regions but have also destroyed livelihoods, infrastructure, and the collective development efforts.
The Savannah Regional Minister added that despite its rich cultural heritage and economic potential, northern Ghana has experienced various security and developmental challenges over the years. These include communal conflicts, chieftaincy disputes, armed robberies, perennial floods and the recent threats of violent extremism from across their borders and that such issues, if left unchecked, can destabilize communities, disrupt development, and undermine the shared aspirations for peace and prosperity.
The executive director of Star Ghana Foundation Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko in his remarks said Northern Ghana is confronted by a unique set of circumstances in other words known as poly-crises which includes inter and intra community conflicts, looming threats of violent extremism on the boarders of northern Ghana, crisis of poverty, crisis of education and health coming together to create crises that need coordinated efforts to resolve which is why the there is the need for the dailogue.
Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko expressed gratitude to the five Regional Ministers of Northern Ghana; Savannah, Northern, North East, Upper East and Upper West regions for their concerted efforts to ensuring that the dailogue comes to fruition.
Also present at the meeting was the Northern Regional Minister Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu and Upper West Regional Minister Hon. Stephen Yakubu.
