Northern Conflict:

The National Emergency Committee has reviewed the security situation in the former conflict areas of the Northern Region. An official statement in Accra expressed the Committee's satisfaction at the progress made by the Permanent Peace Negotiating Team PPNT with the active support and collaboration of the chiefs, people and opinion leaders in the on-going effort to maintain peace and bring about reconciliation among the people of the area. The statement however said the Committee took note of recent reports of the activities of some elements which could undermine the progress being made to ensure peace and stability in the area. In this regard, the terms of reference of the PPNT have been broadened to include some areas in the Northern part of the Volta Region. It said the Security Agencies have also been directed to take appropriate preventive measures to ensure the maintenance of law and order, and will deal firmly with anyone who attempts to provoke any disturbances. In this connection, the Ministry of the Interior reminds the public that the restriction on the movement, acquisition and possession of firearms and ammunition in the Northern Region still remains in force. The restriction has further been extended to the northern part of the Volta Region, covering the Nkwanta and Kete-Krachi Districts. The statement added that the Customs Excise and Preventive service is offering a reward of three million cedis for any information leading to the arrest of persons who broke into the CEPS armoury at Yendi recently and made away with some arms and ammunition. End