Chereponi district, one of the most deprived in the North East Region, has long struggled with development due to frequent conflicts.
Intra- and inter-tribal clashes have consumed resources that could have been directed toward improving the area, creating a challenging environment where even professionals hesitate to accept postings.
The Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), a German-US partnership focused on restoring peace, development, and trust, has made significant progress in addressing these challenges. Over the past months, the organization has actively engaged with various factions involved in the conflicts, helping to restore stability in the district.
Last month, a durbar of chiefs and queen mothers in Chereponi led to the signing of peace agreements. The CSSM also stepped in during a power crisis that affected health services in the district, providing solar panels and medical equipment to the Chereponi district hospital. Additionally, a community football tournament was organized to build trust among the tribes.
At the official unveiling of the CSSM in Yendi, stakeholders praised the programme. The theme for the launch was “Strengthening State Presence, Improving Relationships, Building Trust.”
Chereponi District Chief Executive, Hajia Nashiru Zuwera Moda, expressed her gratitude for the CSSM’s timely interventions and the positive impact they’ve had on her district.
“I am the happiest person today for the intervention of CSSM to Chereponi. In fact, the coming of CSSM is very timely and we appreciate that.”
She appealed to the organization to continue its efforts and also called for support in providing fuel to improve the district’s poor road network.
“We would like to appeal to CSSM to continue to partner Chereponi district assembly by supporting us with fuel to help us work on our road network. Access road linking to Chereponi is in a very bad state and the people are suffering.”
The Chereponi hospital administrator also acknowledged the CSSM’s assistance, particularly the hospital’s children’s ward, which remains one of the most vulnerable areas in need of further support.
“During our time of need, CSSM has supported us greatly by assisting the Chereponi hospital. One more request management of the hospital will like to make is for CSSM to continue to to at the Paediatric ward of the hospital. The ward is in serious need and we call on the CSSM to consider that.”
Security remains a top priority for the CSSM, and as part of their efforts, they renovated the Chereponi district police office. The district police commander commended the CSSM for their contributions and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace.
“CSSM has renovated the Chereponi police station which was in a bad state and again is assisting us with equipment to aid in our work. We are very grateful and would like to confirm our readiness to work to ensure peace in Chereponi.”
Conflicts in the area often stem from chieftaincy and land disputes. For generations, some chiefs had not spoken to or seen one another, but through the CSSM’s efforts, these leaders sat together at the same table, sharing meals and ideas.
The Registrar of the North East Regional House of Chiefs commended the CSSM’s vital role in bringing these leaders together and urged them to continue their work.
“We are very grateful for this and would like to commend CSSM for the good work done. For a long time, there were chiefs in Chereponi who were talking or seeing each other for a long time but through CSSM, these chiefs have sat at the same table ate and shared ideas and even travelled on the same bus.”
The German Ambassador, Deike Potzel, called on the people of Chereponi to unite and promised continued support from the CSSM.
Speaking from Germany, she emphasized the organization’s commitment to lasting peace.
“The people of Chereponi, I would like to commend you for the understanding so far and CSSM is ready and committed to working with you. All we want is peace.”
Yidana Zakaria, North East Regional Minister, also praised the CSSM’s work and assured the organization of the government’s and the Regional Coordinating Council’s support.
He highlighted that many of the region’s conflicts stem from chieftaincy and land disputes and suggested that CSSM work with local chiefs to codify chieftaincy succession, which could reduce tensions.
“Most of the conflicts in this part of our country have either Chieftaincy or land disputes. I would like to make a suggestion to CSSM to collaborate with our chiefs to codify the Chieftaincy succession so that the chiefs would know and if you are not related, you don’t come near to cause troubles.”
In a further show of support, CSSM provided equipment to the Chereponi police, which was handed over by the District Chief Executive.
These tools will aid in maintaining and strengthening peace and security in the region.
With the CSSM’s presence in Chereponi, there is renewed hope that peace, trust, and stability will return, allowing development to thrive. The people and chiefs have pledged their commitment to peace.
#GhanaPolls2024
#CitiVerify
#ElectionBureau
—–
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
