Saeed Muhazu Jibril, Savannah regional minister has called on all stakeholders to contribute their quota to foster peace and security and addressing the devastating consequences of perennial floods, which have become a recurrent issue in northern Ghana. These floods have not only caused the displacement of the people but have also destroyed livelihoods, infrastructure, and our collective development efforts.
The minister made the call on Monday 28th October, 2024, at Mole National Park during a welcome address at a two-day Star-Ghana sponsored dialogue on peace and security and perennial floods in Northern Ghana
Saeed Muhazu Jibril highlighted the need for dialogue on peace and security and perennial floods.
“The significance of this gathering cannot be overstated. Our discussions here
today and tomorrow 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. These floods have not only caused the displacement of our people but have also destroyed livelihoods, infrastructure, and our collective development efforts.
This fourth session of the dialogue will also focus on the pressing issue of perennial floods, within the five regions of northern Ghana in the second day
which will bring in some MMDCEs and other stakeholders on Tuesday 29th October, 2024″.
He lamented that despite the rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities in the Northern Ghana, the area has suffered some insecurity over the years which has led to increased poverty and slow development. And appealed to people to check out the situation for development purposes.
“As we all know northern Ghana, despite its rich cultural heritage and economic potential, 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 our borders. Such issues, if left unchecked, can destabilize our communities, disrupt development, and undermine our shared aspirations for peace and prosperity.
In recent years, we have witnessed how the annual floods aggravated by climate change, poor land use practices, and the release of excess water from upstream dams especially Bagre Dam have left many of our communities vulnerable. These floods disrupt farming, damage roads, schools, and health facilities, and increase the risks of waterborne diseases. Most importantly, they exacerbate poverty and fuel communal tensions, creating fertile ground
for conflicts over resources and land use”.
He noted that the Savannah region, like other regions in northern Ghana, has not been immune to these challenges. However proud to say that through the collaborative efforts of our traditional authorities, security agencies, local government officials, and civil society, we have made significant progress in addressing some of these concerns.
Nevertheless, the need for sustained dialogue and action remains critical if we are to consolidate the gains we have made.
Muhazu Jibril added that this dialogue is timely and relevant. It provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the root causes of the security challenges we face and to identify sustainable solutions as we approach the crucial 2024 Presidential and
Parliamentary elections in December. It is through platforms like this that we can engage in open and constructive discussions, share knowledge, and
strengthen partnerships that will promote lasting peace.
I also want to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of collaboration and partnerships. No single entity can address these challenges alone. It is through our collective efforts that we will be able to build resilient communities, safeguard lives, and promote lasting peace.
He commended Star-Ghana Foundation for their essential role in promoting peace, security and safety nets in the area.
The role of our security agencies cannot be overemphasized. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge their sacrifices in ensuring law and order across the northern regions.
He further applauded the traditional leaders and Peace Council for their contributions to peacebuilding and the essential role they play in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We appreciate their wisdom and guidance as custodians of our customs and traditions, the National Disaster Management Organization
(NADMO) and other disaster response agencies for their tireless work in supporting affected communities.
This dialogue presents a unique platform for government, traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society, and development partners to come
together, share ideas, and develop practical solutions.
Alhaji Ibrahim – Amadu Tanko, Executive Director of Star-Ghana Foundation noted that Northern Ghana is confronted by a unique set of circumstances usually referred to as polycrises, which describes a complex situation where multiple, interconnected crises converge and amplify each other, resulting in a predicament which is difficult to manage or resolve. That’s when different issues are related but coming together to create mega crises.
He explained that these crises include conflicts, looming threats of Violent Extremism, poor livelihoods, poor education level, health, among others. All these are not separate crises, they feed into each others.
Alhaji Ibrahim-Amadu Tanko added that conflicts affect education and lack of education leads to conflicts. Precarious livelihoods lead to conflicts over natural resources, conflict over natural resources reinforces and makes us poorer.
He said one of the objectives of the dialogue is to coordinate activities of the stakeholders involved.
“Until we have a coordinated response to these polycrises as stakeholders, we maybe, just touching on the surface. This was the rationale for initiating this forum to coordinate activities of the group.
Alhaji Ibrahim-Amadu expressed gratitude to the five regional ministers of the Savannah, Northern, North East, Upper East and Upper West regions for their commitment and cooperation to peace and security in the area, saying “we cannot have development without peace. We cannot have sustainable peace without partnerships between State and Non-State actors. CSOs , NGOs, Non-State actors exist to support the State. However, it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that the necessary enabling environment is created for people to go about their lives as guaranteed by the Constitution.
This year’s dialogue has captured flooding which affects the livelihoods of the people. Floods lead to conflicts, degrading of the environment, loss of properties, insecurity, among others.
The North cannot afford to experience another violent conflict as Ghana heads toward elections 2024. Proper strategies must be implemented to stop any form of conflict in the North, so all stakeholders must come on board.
On December 7, 2024, Ghanaians will go to the polls to elect a president and Members of Parliament.
Alhaji Ibrahim-Amadu is worried about the sustainability of the dialogue series after the elections. He appealed to the RCC to do proper transition of power to new regional ministers after the elections to ensure the partnership continues
He commended the World Food Program,
expressed gratitude to the Savannah regional minister and the RCC for hosting the 4th state and non state actors session, Peace Council, traditional and religious leaders for executing their roles well.
The 4th session of state and non-state actors brought together regional ministers, CSOs, NGOs, security agencies, groups, among others.
Abdulai Zulkaninu
