Upper East Minister calls for Early Warning Systems in District and Municipal Assemblies

Mr. Mark Owen Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister on Monday tasked District Assemblies to institute early warning systems to report on any incidence of violence that is likely to mar the peace currently prevailing in the Region

Mr. Woyongo said clashes recorded in some parts of the Region called for close monitoring of any event that is likely to lead to the rising of emotions and disturb the peace of the area

He therefore called on District Chief Executives to set up committees in their areas of jurisdiction to take note of early signals of violence and to protect the people from clashes.

The Regional Minister made the call at a meeting at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Bolgatanga to take stock of its mandate under Local Government Act 462 (1993), which among other things enjoins the RCC to monitor, coordinate and evaluate the performance of the DAs in the Region.

He cited the recent clashes at Gbane, one of the mining communities in the Region which led to the loss of over $3.5 million belonging to the Chinese Company, including injuries to both Chinese and Ghanaians, as well as the Tindongo/Namolgo violence over a piece of land all in the Talensi Nabdam District.

He also cited the Biometric voter exercise clashes in Arigu/Guborigu and the Kassena-Nankana areas over change of name of electoral area as unfortunate.

Mr. Woyongo said the destruction that followed these clashes and many more, drove away investors who had intentions to come and help in the development of the area.

He said those incidents also threatened general security in the area and commended the security operatives for standing firm in all situations and promoting peace in the whole Region.

He said proactive measures such as joint military intelligence-led patrols and random snap checks were conducted in addition to the ban on male riding of motorbikes in the Bawku Municipality to ensure that continuous peace prevailed in the area.**