The Otumfour-led eminent chiefs committee mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute will this month (January) resume sittings at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The three eminent chiefs mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute are the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu, the overlord of Mamprugu Traditional Area, the Nayiri, Naa-Bahigu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga and the overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbon-Wura Tuntumba Boresa II.
They have over the past 10 years been working to resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis.
The committee’s sitting stalled when representatives of the Abudu’s and Andani’s boycotted proceedings leading to the full implementation of the roadmap to peace in Dagbon.
This situation deepened the mistrust between the Abudu and the Andani Royals after the demise of the late overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II.
The Dagbon feud is not new and has worsened tensions in the area especially within the Yendi township.
But President John Dramani Mahama has promised that the Otumfour led three eminent chiefs’ committee will resume the peace talks this month.
He was speaking on the occasion of the 2015 Damba festival jointly celebrated by the Abudu and Andani Royals in Yendi.
The theme was, “Taking inspiration from our common heritage and culture in the struggle for peace and development.”
President Mahama admitted that the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy dispute was a thorn in the flesh of all people of Northern origin, hence the need to find a permanent solution to the problem.
“All persons of northern heritage have been affected by the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute and this is making some people believe we are warmongers and people who hate peace.”
He thereby tasked the Abudus and Andanis to restore the dignity of the Dagbon Kingdom by taking active steps to give peace, reconciliation and unity a chance.
“Focus on the compromise that will sustain peace to make Dagbon attractive to investors: carry on and sustain your rich cultural heritage: live together peacefully, successfully and make Damba a central event to attract investors.”
Development projects
President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to expand infrastructural development to uplift the image of the entire Northern Region.
He cited the construction of the Eastern Corridor Road, upgrading and reconstruction of the Tamale Teaching Hospital and upgrading of the Tamale Airport to international standard to buttress his point.
The President also promised to upgrade the Yendi District Hospital to serve as a major health referral facility in the eastern corridor.
He reminded all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive in the region of their responsibility sustain the National Sanitation exercise.
Agriculture
President Mahama said agriculture remained a major priority on his administration’s development agenda.
According to him, government was servicing the debt on fertilizer importation, hence the removal of the subsidy.
President Mahama reassured the nation’s cherished farmers of the restoration of subsidy on farm inputs particularly fertilizer.
Enskinment
The Dagbon Traditional Council conferred on President Mahama the chieftaincy title Zoo Maligu-Naa.
This was in appreciation of his care and respect for the sons and daughters of the Dagbon Traditional Area.
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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana