Gbenyiri Mediation Committee submits report to Interior Minister

The Interior Minister, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has received the final report of a committee that mediated tensions between Gonja and Lobi/Birifor groups in parts of the Savannah Region.

The Gbeyiri/Gbenyiri Mediation Committee was formed in September 2025 after deadly clashes in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba enclave, triggered by a disputed land sale. The violence caused deaths, damage to property and mass displacement, prompting calls for a structured peace process.

At a brief handover on Friday, Mr Muntaka commended the mediators and said government would move to implement the recommendations. He also indicated that follow-up engagements would be held with traditional and community leaders to reinforce reconciliation efforts, while urging development partners to continue supporting the recovery of social cohesion.

The committee’s chair, Emmanuel Bombande, said the team prioritised direct dialogue between the parties to surface root grievances and rebuild trust. He called for a clear implementation roadmap, backed by monitoring, warning that peace would require sustained effort rather than one-off negotiations.

The seven-member panel included Collins Dauda, Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anyereh, Dr Festus Aubyn, Sylvia Hornam Naagbeseu, Prof. Ramatu Alhassan, and Dr George Amoh.