Conflicts retard our progress
In the immediate post-independence era, the then government tried to inculcate in the people the sense of nationhood, with all Ghanaians cherishing the principles of peaceful co-existence.
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That was done against the backdrop that our colonial masters had a hectic time bringing together all the entire groupings to form the nation state then called the Gold Coast.
With that background, the authorities, after independence, took steps to encourage Ghanaians to live as brothers and sisters, in spite of their ethnic differences.
That was why the Nkrumah regime built secondary schools across the length and breadth of the country, so that children from all parts of the country could have access to quality education, particularly in the boarding setting.
The attempt to build a strong and cohesive country was not limited to the educational sector, as inter-ethnic marriages were also encouraged, despite our pristine attachment to our areas of birth or ethnic origins.
Although we have some ethnic differences, with some people making references (sometimes in derogatory terms) to certain practices of some ethnic groups, we have tried, by and large, to forge the principles of peaceful co-existence.
Therefore, it becomes worrying when communal violence breaks out in our communities and inter-ethnic conflicts are allowed to slow down our development processes.
Over the last 20 years or so, the country has had its fair share of internecine conflicts that have claimed lives and properties.
The Daily Graphic is worried that after persistent campaigns by the government and traditional authorities to get our people to live in harmony, we still have pockets of disagreements and conflicts in some parts of the country.
We remind our compatriots that the resort to self-help or violence to seek redress for our grievances is very objectionable in a democratic state where the rule of law is a cardinal principle.
The Daily Graphic is saddened by the renewed ethnic clashes in some communities in the East Mamprusi District in the Northern Region which have claimed four lives.
We urge the Bimobas and the Mamprusis/Konkombas to give peace a chance by accepting to deal with whatever grievances they have through the laid-down regulations in order not to further aggravate their economic challenges.
The Daily Graphic appeals to the factions to put down the guns and other offensive weapons to enable law-abiding citizens to go about their endeavours without let or hindrance.