The Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA) has initiated a body to consolidate peace among the chiefs and people.

“We have observed that the main cause of disturbance in the area is chieftaincy and land issues, so we thought it wise to form a Council to end the clashes and maintain peace to facilitate development,” Alhaji Emmanuel Benson, immediate past President of KOYA said.

Alhaji Benson made this known to the Ghana News Agency at the sidelines of the annual KOYA Easter homecoming meeting aimed at reforming the 36-year-old Association to chart a new path to ensure peace and unity in the traditional area.

The durbar brought together members of the ethnic group to take stock of the activities of the previous year and trade ideas on how to initiate development projects to reduce poverty and illiteracy in the area.

The occasion was used to elect and induct a seven- member new executive to man and champion the ideals of the Association.

Alhaji Benson said as part of the process of establishing the Council, a day’s capacity building seminar was facilitated by some chiefs of Dagbon and elders from other ethnic groups.

The Regent of Saboba, John Mateer Bowan, appealed to the people to protect the peace in the area and unite to facilitate development.

He said it was natural that other people might have divergent views about issues but that did not call for fight or hatred.

Mr Moses Mabengba, Former Northern Regional Minister, said the Association had worked tirelessly to orient Konkombas to appreciate the importance of embracing formal education, abolition of obsolete cultural practices and social change.

“Before, education was the preserve of few male children but now we can boast of an appreciable number of women who are in other fields of endeavour including nursing, teaching and banking; all due to the efforts of KOYA,” he said.

Mr Mabengba advised parents not to invest their time and resources in transient things but strive to provide the needs of their wards.

Mr Raymond Kofi Mbui, President of KOYA on behalf of the executives promised to work hard to unite and ensure the development of the area.