He said chieftaincy disputes create fear, panic and sense of insecurity among people in the communities and that could lead to low productivity and economic retrogression.

"I don't know whether chieftaincy which was supposed to be a good thing for us has become a curse on us. The traditional rulers play very critical roles in the development of every society and when there are problems within their jurisdictions, it has a greater effect on how the communities progress."

The Bishop said this when he delivered a homily to mark Christmas, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bolgatanga.

Christmas is celebrated by Christians around the globe on the 25th of December each year to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

He charged all traditional rulers and their factions to employ the sense of compromise and forgiveness to end the long standing chieftaincy disputes among communities which he said would help create an enabling environment for people to increase productivity and enhance national development.

He explained that development and economic progression could only be achieved in an environment where peace, love and political stability existed.

The Bishop identified lack of fear of God as a major cause of chieftaincy disputes and insecurity in the Northern part of Ghana, especially the Upper East Region.

Of late, armed robbery attacks, motorbikes theft and other social vices have been a cause for concern in the region as many people lost their lives and property through these acts of lawlessness, he said.

Most Rev Agyenta said selfishness and greed were the driving forces of evil and urged Christians to consider their fellow human beings as their main priority.

 "The recent attacks on our roads, communities and even our homes with the most current one being the gang that invaded the home of the Missionaries while they were in the church praying shows how much we disregard God's presence in our lives and embrace evil”, he added.

He urged the general public to respond to the presence of God to enable them eschew evil and put humanity at the centre of their acts so as to bring peace, stability and development in the region and the country at large.

Most Rev Agyenta said the presence of God creates a sense of fear that would deter anyone from causing insecurity and make people act like human beings. “We must collaborate, respond and collaborate with the presence of the Lord to bring about peace, joy and life in our homes and communities,” he said.

While wishing all Christians a Merry Christmas, he urged them to extend their joy to the poor and needy in society and cautioned them to celebrate the feast in modesty.

 Most Rev Alfred Agyenta, the Bishop of Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, Upper East Region.