Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, has expressed optimism that the violent clashes over the Gbinyiri land dispute will be resolved within a week or two, following sustained government engagement with local and regional stakeholders.
The minister said that the high-level interventions, including visits by presidential delegations, are beginning to yield positive results, with many displaced residents gradually returning to their communities.
Over 13k displaced victims seeks asylum in Côte d’Ivoire
The conflict has forced many to flee, with some moving to Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, while others have sought refuge in nearby villages where they have family or community ties.
Explaining the current situation in the conflict zones, the Minister stated: “A lot has been done. We have made two major visits to the area and engaged with leaders of the Bounkani region (Ivory Coast) and other stakeholders. They have provided us with information, and we have met with some of our displaced people.”
He added that supplies and essential items have been sent from Ghana to affected areas, while Ivorian authorities are also assisting to improve conditions for refugees in the Bounkani region.
The minister emphasised that restoring trust among the conflicting factions is a priority.
“Back at home, we are working to ensure that the lost trust which led to such unhealthy conflict is restored within the shortest possible time, and for our people to return back to their communities and resume their normal daily life,” he said.
According to Be-Awuribe, communication channels have been positive, with the Lord of Gonjaland delegating his paramount chief in Damango to receive government officials, facilitating dialogue between the parties.
He further reassured that the past week has seen no violent engagements across the districts, signalling progress toward a durable peace.
“Our aim is to fasten up the process. The rate at which this is actually going, in a week or two this will be in the past, hopefully,” he noted, commending all stakeholders for their efforts in bringing an end to the violence.
The conflict, which erupted over contested land ownership, has displaced thousands of Ghanaians across four regions.
Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, disclosed that more than 13,000 citizens have crossed into Côte d’Ivoire, with official Ivorian records putting the figure at 13,253. Many remain stranded in Upper West and Savannah regions, while others have fled through riverine communities.
Muntaka affirmed that the government, together with district assemblies and international partners, is actively mobilising relief to meet the urgent needs of displaced populations.
As engagement between traditional authorities, government officials, and affected communities continues, there is growing optimism that the Gbinyiri conflict will soon be relegated to history, allowing families to return home and resume normal life.
By Ruth Sekyi – [email protected]
