As part of our efforts to bring peace to the Northern part of Ghana and by popular request we reproduce yesterday’s editor’s note
Apart from its poverty-stricken feature, the three Northern Regions of Ghana are mired in chaos and conflicts. Hardly a day passes without Ghanaians learning of one conflict between one tribe and the other.
For us at Today, this is very disturbing. In fact, it is something that should be of greater concern to every well-meaning Ghanaians who want to see the people of the three northern regions have an improved living standard. We cannot stay in a country and closed our eyes on the many skirmishes and conflicts in the north.
We cannot even quantify the collateral damages in the wake of the senseless and somehow bloody conflicts that have dogged the northern parts. The question engraved on the minds of those of us at Today is: Will the Northern regions ever know peace? This question, we believe, must be soberly reflected upon by our brothers and sisters up north.
There has always been the need to develop the three northern regions. But what happens when successive governments make that effort to develop the area: such efforts are always undermined by the inhabitants themselves. We need to sit down and assess the damage done by the inhabitants themselves?
The huge monies which could have been used to create jobs, build schools, hospitals, and provide potable drinking and other social amenities is what are used in maintaining and keeping the peace in the north.
For how long will the people in the north continue to kill themselves and stall the peace process? We are tempted to believe that the people in the north do not themselves aspire to live in peace. One may argue that if that is the case then government should leave them alone.
But in the United States, for instance, the primary goal of government is to protect its citizens and not to endanger or put their lives at risk. Therefore, it will be out of place and order if the government of Ghana shirks this responsibility.
That is why Today has constantly reminded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to do what it can to bring lasting peace to the northern regions. It must be understood that not every inhabitant of the north likes the many conflicts that has been going on.
Today hopes that the tribes in the three northern regions will give peace a chance and allow reason to prevail. Our fellow Ghanaians up north must understand that development can come to their regions when there is peace and stability.