Former President John Mahama has decried the existence of rival chiefs in a number of Gonja communities.

He indicated the phenomenon has over the years affected the peace in these communities, retarding development.

Mr. Mahama was speaking at the 43rd annual congress of the Gonjaland Youth Association in Damango.

He indicated the Gonja chieftaincy system was the envy of other tribes in Ghana.

However, the recent chieftaincy disputes emanating from the enskinment of two chiefs is not only worrying but disastrous, he observed.

“The disputes are affecting the development and growth of Gonjaland and has the potential of retarding the fast growth of the Savannah region if not resolved.”

Mr. Mahama called for peace amongst the people to bring development to the Savannah region.

“As youth of this land, we have a role to play in committing ourselves to the peace process,” he added.

He appealed to the people to support a committee of eminent chiefs setup by Yagbonwura to find lasting solution to the various disputes.

President of the Association, Mohammad Aminu in his address said the association will work with chiefs to eradicate rosewood logging in the Savannah region, and warned the youth involved in such activity to desist.

“I want to assure the youth that the menace of rosewood logging which is led by some few greedy people and destroying our forest will be dealt with and we won’t spare anyone who is found culpable to this act”

The mediation committee

A five member committee on April 13, 2019 was setup to assist the rival parties to settle all the contested areas in Gonjaland.

The Committee is chaired by the chief of Buipe and Vice President of the Gonjaland Traditional Council, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II.

The other members are: Kpembewura Gbangbangne Ndefeso IV, paramount chief of Kpembi, Kusawgu wura Kunkraga I, Tulwe wura Bunyanso l and Kong wura Jinkurge l.

The mediation committee is expected to complete and present its findings within 60 days.

According to the committee chairman, Gonjaland intends to use the Dagbon model to resolve all outstanding chieftaincy misunderstandings.