The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has inaugurated a seven-member Mediation Committee to work with relevant stakeholders towards restoring peace in Gbiniyiri following the recent conflict.
The Committee has been tasked to ensure peacebuilding, reconciliation and sustainable resettlement of the affected persons.
The Committee is being Chaired by Mr. Emmanuel Habuka Bombande, with Alhaji Collins Dauda (MP, Chair, Parliament Committee on Lands & Natural Resources, Rev. Fr. Lazarus Annyereh (Chair, Savannah Regional Peace Council), Dr. Festus Aubyn (West Africa Network for Peacebuilding), Sylvia Horname Noagbesenu Esq. (Ag. Director, Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre).
Other members are Prof. Ramatu Alhassan (Dept. of Agric. Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana), and Dr. George Amoh (Executive Secretary, National Peace Council) as members.
In his address, the Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak outlined the Committee’s critical mandate, emphasising its role in fostering peace, security, and social cohesion.
According to him, the Committee’s Terms of Reference include facilitating the safe and dignified return of displaced residents, assessing the conflict’s scope and damages.
They are to also ensure “promoting dialogue and reconciliation, recommending sustainable peacebuilding mechanisms, and strengthening local institutions to prevent future violence.”
Mr. Muntaka urged the committee to conduct its duties impartially, transparently, and inclusively.
He also stressed the need to engage with all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, opinion leaders, civil society, and the security agencies, to rebuild peace and trust in Gbiniyiri and its surrounding communities.
The Minister also encouraged them to leverage partnerships with civil society organisations, development partners, and faith-based institutions as they carry out their tasks.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee Emmanuel Habuka Bombande expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in them and acknowledged the gravity of their responsibility and task ahead.
He emphasises the Committee’s commitment to delivering actionable recommendations to government that will support the affected communities
