Wa West MP Urges Peace in Gbenyiri, Says Poverty—Not Each Other—is the Real Enemy
The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has appealed to the feuding factions in the Gbenyiri conflict to end the violence and recognise that their real enemies are not one another, but poverty, poor infrastructure, and underdevelopment.
Speaking to a gathering of around 48,000 displaced residents—mostly women and children—Mr. Toobu, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, described war as a destructive force that halts progress and undermines peace.
He emphasized his role as a neutral mediator, visiting the area to urge both sides—especially traditional leaders—to put their communities first by choosing peace.
“Peace in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba is what we’re all praying for,” he said. “The chiefs have assured us that they are ready to walk the path of peace.”
Addressing the role of the youth, Mr. Toobu warned against using social media to spread hate or incite further violence.
“If your sons and daughters are educated and active online, ask them to use that power for peace—not war,” he said. “Look around you: you’re displaced in your own country, relying on others to feed you while your farms go untended.”
He expressed deep concern over the impact of the conflict, pointing out that once-thriving farmlands of maize and groundnuts now lie abandoned.
“Our fight is not with each other,” he said. “The real enemies are poverty, bad roads, and underdevelopment. This is not the life we should accept—being refugees in our own land.”
Mr. Toobu called on all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively to end the hostilities.
“We must bring peace—not just for ourselves, but for the children, for the women, and for the future. The time to act is now.”
He was accompanied by Naa Maxwell Kuubasagra, Dagaaba Chief of the Savannah Region, and leaders from the Dagaaba Youth Association.
