The Gonjaland Youth Association held a Stakeholders meeting at Sawla on Saturday 30 August 2025 on the defense of Gonjaland, promotion of Peace and Restoration of justice.
Speaking at the press conference, the president of GLYA, Mr. Alhassan Baba Darison noted that our land, our people, and our collective future stand at a critical crossroads.
The president added that rising insecurity, persistent land encroachments, and escalating inter-ethnic tensions, particularly within the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District and across Gonjaland, have reached an alarming level and this situation demands immediate, united, and strategic action.
“We strongly condemn the recent acts of violence and provocations involving the Briffo ethnic group in the Gbeniyiri Community and the loss of lives and destruction of property are unacceptable”.
Mr. Darison Baba also mentioned that they urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, as we announce plans to establish a Conflict Resolution Committee to find a solution to the conflict and we also call on regional and national security agencies to intervene impartially and decisively.
Again the encroachment on Gonja land, aided by political manipulation, misinformation, and weak enforcement of customary rights must end now and the increasing disregard for traditional authority and the frequent distortion of boundary lines have fueled volatile disputes.
Let it be understood clearly that we will defend every inch of our land with our voice, our will, and, if necessary, our blood.
He said that the Traditional Councils must reclaim full oversight and authority over all land transactions to prevent further abuse and confusion and all settlers must respect the customs, traditions, and governance structures of Gonjaland.
The president emphasize that they are currently developing a Settlement Framework which will include: bylaws for peaceful co-existence, rules for cultural integration, clear mandates to respect traditional authority and let it be clear, no one living on Gonja land is above its laws or leadership.
Traditional leaders, youth representatives, civil society actors, and community members were all present at the meeting.
Source:Diwura Abdul Fataw
