Peace is essential for community development. Without it, progress in all areas is hindered. In conflict-ridden regions, resources that could be used for development are instead redirected toward maintaining security, leaving communities feeling neglected. Women and children are often the most vulnerable in such situations.
This is the reality in the Chereponi district of the Northeast Region, where ethnic violence, gender-based violence, and both intra- and inter-community conflicts are prevalent. As a result, the district faces poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, ongoing insecurity, and frequent incidents of armed robbery.
To address these challenges and promote peace and trust among community members, the Holistic Development Organisation (HOLIDO) has stepped in to foster stability and development in Chereponi.
HOLIDO’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion project was officially launched in Chereponi, North East Region, Chereponi district, one of the most areas in the North East Region, has long struggled due to recurring conflicts. Intra- and inter-tribal clashes, as well as highway attacks, have drained resources that could have been used for development. The instability has also deterred professionals from accepting postings in the area.
The district shares a border with neighboring Togo and the troubled Bawku area, with multiple unapproved routes making it unsafe.
HOLIDO, a non-governmental organization working in partnership with Coginta with funding support from the European Union, focuses on restoring peace, promoting gender equality, and ensuring social inclusion.
In recent months, the organization has engaged with various factions involved in the conflicts, including women and minority tribes, to restore stability and justice in the district.
At the official unveiling of HOLIDO’s Pro-GESI Project in Chereponi, stakeholders commended the initiative.
The theme for the launch was “Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Preventing Violent Extremism and Supporting Peace in Ghana’s Northern Border Regions.”
Given that women are among the most vulnerable in conflict situations, HOLIDO aims to support and empower them while fostering social cohesion with minority groups such as the Fulbe to ensure lasting peace.
The Chief Executive Officer of HOLIDO, Mr. George Dam Laar, spoke to Channel One about the organization’s goals and strategies.
“We are launching a project to promote Gender equality and social inclusion to advocate for peace, to advise the youth, the women the traditional authorities, chiefs and Queen mothers and all those who have a say in the peace and tranquility in the area, to love peace, stop the conflicts and to use appropriate means of resolving their differences”
He further called for support and justice for women, youth and other minority tribes to ensure peace prevails.
“Chereponi is a cosmopolitan community where different people live. We want to advocate for peace and justice for all manner of persons irrespective of their tribe or ethnic group. When there is conflict, it is the women and children who suffer the most, so we want to empower women so that they can help in the advocacy”
Conflicts in the region often arise from chieftaincy and land disputes. HOLIDO intends to work with local chiefs to codify chieftaincy succession rules, which could help reduce tensions.
“We are working with the traditional authorities and everyone in the clans and gates to identify a common chieftaincy succession code such that everyone becomes aware of the process and this will help curb the rampant chieftaincy disputes”
With HOLIDO’s presence in Chereponi, there is renewed hope for peace, trust, and stability, paving the way for development. Both the people and local chiefs have pledged their commitment to peace.
A representative of the Paramount Chief of the Chereponi Traditional Area, Chief Bukari Issah, welcomed the initiative, stating that it would contribute to peace and development.
“It will be beneficial to us. Chereponi district, we are farmers and if there is peace, you can do your daily activities and this will bring development to the district”
The Chereponi District Assembly also expressed its support for the initiative, noting that it aligns with the assembly’s efforts to foster development.
“This nobia endeavour is highly welcomed. Our role is to embrace and support the implementation of the project at all levels. Let us work together to ensure that the objectives of the project are realized. Our communities become more inclusive and peace and justice prevail in Chereponi and beyond”
Some participants praised the initiative, sharing their excitement with Channel One.
“I want to express my sincere joy and excitement over the project. If this project is implemented and embrace, it is going to bring development to Chereponi district because peace is what brings development and looking at this, it is something that is going to benefit the entire district”
“As you know here in Chereponi, we are suffering because there is no peace. Holido is implementing a project that would ensure that there is peace and justice in the community and we are very happy to offer our commitment and support”
Stakeholders encouraged residents to support HOLIDO’s efforts, emphasizing its potential to transform the community. To aid outreach activities, a motorbike was presented to the Gender Desk Officer.
