URGENT

THE assemblyman for the Fielmua Electoral Area in the Sissala West District, Mr. Felix Neetega has sounded the alarm bell.

He told our correspondent at Gwollu on Tuesday, that tension is building up gradually between the people of Nimoro and Fielmua communities over a land dispute.

According to Mr. Neetege, the two factions were stockpiling arms and ammunition in readiness for a battle to settle the dispute which started a few months ago.

His fear is that though the dispute is between the two communiies, it can escalate into ethnic conflict between Sissalas and their neighbours, Dagaabas.

However, the District Police Commander, ASP James Aggrey, says the situation is under firm control and that there is no cause for alarm.

We hope that the District Commander will keep to his assurance and ensure that the situation does not degenerate into an unnecessary violence.

Already, the commander has indicated that logistical problems, including lack of vehicles, are hindering effective police patrol in the area.  This means that the police are encountering difficulties in maintenance of law and order in the area.

We hope that the Inspector-General of Police will quickly respond to this major shortcoming of the district police and ensure effective monitoring of the situation before it escalates.

What makes matters worse is the allegation that for the past two weeks, youth from Nimoro have been moving from farm to farm uprooting newly-planted crops of the Fielmua people. Indeed, this gives cause for worry.

It is also unfortunate that the Fielmua people were also reported as arming themselves to attack the Nimoros.

We believe that this is not the time for apportioning blame, and we call on the traditional authorities of the area to quickly intervene to settle the matter amicably to allow peace and tranquility to prevail in the area.

These land and chieftaincy disputes in most parts of the country are, indeed, causing a serious harm to the development of the economy.

While the government is doing its best to provide the needed infrastructure and other social amenities to promote economic growth, these unnecessary conflicts are dissipating the resources and disrupting progress.