The newly inaugurated Gbeyiri Mediation Committee has clarified that its mandate does not extend to inviting conflicting parties for direct negotiations, including on land disputes.

In a press release issued on Thursday, September 11, 2025, the seven-member committee, chaired by conflict resolution expert Emmanuel Habuka Bombande, emphasised its focus on mapping stakeholder roles and responsibilities.

"For the sake of clarity about roles and responsibilities, the Mediation Committee is not planning to invite parties to engage in negotiations on any matter, including land," the committee stated.

Instead of formal talks, the committee said it is actively engaging key actors, including chiefs, elders, community leaders, civil society organizations, religious figures, women's and youth associations, to prepare for bilateral stakeholder dialogue and rebuilding efforts.

Government sets up mediation committee to resolve Gbenyiri conflict

The goal according to the committee is to facilitate the safe return of refugees from Ghana's borders with Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes, while promoting sustainable coexistence among groups that have co-existed for over a century.

In a call for national unity, the committee urged all Ghanaians to embody solidarity by refraining from actions that could escalate tensions.

"All media houses, journalists, bloggers and online platforms are urged to exercise the highest standards of professional journalism in reporting this matter and be guided by conflict-sensitive journalism," the committee said.

The committee also warned against sharing content that might undermine ongoing peace efforts.

The body expressed gratitude to chiefs, elders, and community leaders for their leadership in supporting security operations.

"Deep appreciation is extended to Chiefs, Elders, Community leaders, and associations whose tolerance and leadership have contributed to the visible calm in the area. Gratitude is also expressed to the security operatives on the ground for their tireless commitment to maintaining law and order.

"Above all, tolerance must continue to guide our collective actions so that, together, we can achieve lasting peace in Gbeyiri and the surrounding areas through non-violent means," the committee stated.

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The committee, inaugurated on September 8, 2025, by the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, was formed in response to the escalating ethnic clashes between the Birifor and Gonja groups in Gbeyiri, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.

The violence, triggered on August 23, 2025, by a disputed land sale to a private developer has claimed at least 31 lives, destroyed property, and displaced over 50,000 people, making it one of Ghana's worst internal crises in recent years.

Official figures indicate nearly 48,000 residents have been uprooted, with over 13,000 fleeing across the border into Côte d'Ivoire's Bounkani region and others seeking refuge in Burkina Faso.

Other members include Alhaji Collins Dauda, Rev Fr Lazarus Anyereh, Dr Festus Agyei, Sylvia Hornam Naagbeseu, Prof Ramatu Alhassan and Dr George Amoh (Secretary).

The committee has been given a one-month mandate to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to the Interior Ministry.

GA

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