The Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has urged political leaders to refrain from politicising ethnic conflicts, warning that such actions only deepen divisions and worsen insecurity in the country.
The lawmaker drew attention to the escalating violence in Gbinyiri in the Savannah Region, the home region of President John Dramani Mahama where the death toll has reportedly climbed to 31, with some 48,000 people displaced.
Almost 14,000 people, particularly vulnerable women and children, have also fled their homes in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District to neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to seek refuge following the renewed violence that erupted between Gonja and Brifor groups allegedly over a parcel of land at Gbiniyiri, on Sunday, August 24, 2025
“Gbinyiri conflict in Savannah Region: Death toll rises to 31 with 48,000 displaced. You see why it’s dangerous to politicise tribal conflicts? Now your own backyard is sadly in crisis.
“Let’s say NO to politicising tribal conflicts. Let’s all pray for calm in Gbinyiri and Bawku,” Rev Fordjour posted on his X (formerly Twitter) last Thursday, September 4, 2025 in an apparent response to President Mahama’s politicisation of the ethnic conflict between Kusasis and Mamprusis in the Upper East region in the lead up to the 2024 general election.
Rev. Fordjour’s comment comes as national concern mounts over renewed outbreaks of violence in northern Ghana, particularly in Bawku, where long-standing tensions have frequently erupted into deadly clashes.
The lawmaker who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, stressed that peace-building, not partisanship, must remain the focus if lives are to be saved and displaced communities restored.
Government engages Yagbonwura
Meanwhile, President Mahama has directed urgent steps to restore calm in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
A statement issued on August 30, 2025, and signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, said the President had spoken by telephone with the Yagbonwura, Jira Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, on measures to end the disturbances.
The statement added that the Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, was also directed to lead a government delegation to the area to work with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to encourage dialogue and restore calm.
The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have reinforced security in Sawla, Gbiniyiri, Giniri and surrounding communities.
The Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has also taken steps to support victims.
Displaced residents are being relocated to safer areas, while the Ghana Red Cross has distributed tents and other emergency relief items.
Communities along the Sawla-Bole highway have largely been deserted as families flee to safety, with women and children forming the majority of those displaced.
President Mahama urged all parties to cooperate with the government’s initiatives aimed at ending the conflict and restoring normalcy.
He further directed the delegation to work closely with the Savannah Regional Security Council, traditional authorities and community leaders to resolve disputes peacefully and maintain law and order.
