YENDI — The Yendi Diocese under the leadership of Most Reverend Matthew Yitiereh has initiated a concerted effort to promote reconciliation and peace among the Dagomba and Konkomba communities by inaugurating a Peace Centre and an inter-ethnic team.
According to Ghana News Agency, the newly established inter-ethnic peace team comprises 11 members from each ethnic group and includes a representative from Ya-Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon. Notable members from the Dagomba include Yeni Kpihi-Na Mohammed Musah, representing the Ya-Na, alongside Bindana Ahmed Ziblim, Alhaji Alhassan Shahadu, Chishe Na Mohammed Bilema, Rashid Alaru Fusheini, and Hajia Nuhu Ramatu. The Konkomba team is represented by Rev. Moses Baka, John Uwumborngnam, Titus Jawol, Grace Wumbidin, and Elvis Nakpija.
During his inaugural address, Bishop Yitiereh emphasized the crucial role of peace in the global community and the church’s commitment to fostering harmonious coexistence. He recalled the message of Pope John Paul II, who called for the pastoral community to be well-equipped in peace promotion efforts. The Bishop outlined the mission of the Yendi Peace Centre, which is to nurture peace advocates within the two major ethnic groups in the Diocese and beyond, transforming them into ambassadors of justice and peace.
He expressed his expectation that the team will champion love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in their communities. Bishop Yitiereh also stressed the importance of proper training for those taking on significant responsibilities and encouraged team members to be exemplars of peace and acceptance, irrespective of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Fr. Dr. Michael Cobb, PhD, expressed gratitude to Bishop Yitiereh for endorsing and authorizing Fr. Gregory Dery to lead the Peace Centre’s initiatives. Meanwhile, Bishop Vincent Sowah Boi Nai Emeritus pointed to land ownership disputes as a longstanding issue in the region, compounded by the interference of influential individuals from outside the community. He called for the team to enlighten locals about the region’s challenges to foster enduring peace and harmony, while also condemning the spread of rumors that could potentially lead to conflict escalation.