The Council at a recent meeting in Yendi chaired by the Regent of Dagbon, the Kampakuya Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai, resolved that it will not cede any part of Dagbon lands for the convenience of new regional formations.

“In consultation with the Regent of Bimbilla, it has been decided that the Dagbↄŋ Traditional Council and the Nanung Traditional Council will issue a joint Memorandum to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on Regional Reorganization, spelling out our demands.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”rgFwnTs2gaYdEVsMfPJv6EHInhEIqvzC”]But the former Northern Regional Minister, Prince Imoro Andani, described their resolution as misplaced.

He told Citi News that the creation of the Eastern Corridor region is long over due in view of the vast nature of the Northern Region in terms of its land mass.

“There is the need for us to have an additional region as the eastern corridor region because of the region’s vastness for ease of management and for the purposes of development.”

“Having being a former Northern Regional Minister what I noticed was that, it was very difficult to access all the inner parts of the region. If you had to travel to visit just the district capitals, it will take you three good days non-stop to go round all the districts.”

As a social development expert, Prince Imoro Andani further advised the Dagbon Traditional Council, saying, “We must critically look at this from the development point devoid of that kind of ethnicity or tribalism because I don’t see this position different from when we talk of Gonjaland.”

“The essence is that, we are a country and we must harmonize and live with each other and so the focus must more be from a development point. If we are Dagombas and we have all the size and then we can have one traditional council, live in one region and we are not developing, is that what we are looking for,” he asked.

Prince Imoro Andani advocated for broader consultations with all the major stakeholders in the Dagbon Traditional Area to arrive at a unanimous decision on the matter.

“This will need further discussions with our chiefs and people of the region for us to look at the development of our area from a modern point for management purposes. There is the need for the region to be split, and in fact the eastern corridor. And what do we lose as a people if we have the eastern corridor region with Yendi as a capital? It adds to the value, it doesn’t subtract,” he stressed.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ex-Minister slams Dagbon chiefs, backs Eastern Corridor region appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Despite their differing positions on the pending performance of the funerals of the two overlords of Dagbon, they arrived at a consensus on the matter at a meeting in Yendi.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Scn4qVaSyWa1TotvMlTeSN94j3GVvMYE”]The said meeting, which brought together chiefs from both sides of the chieftaincy divide in Dagbon, was chaired by the Regent of Dagbon, the Kampakuya Yakubu Abdulai Andani.

“The Council welcomed the Government policy of regional reorganization and pledged to support it. It reflected deeply on the implications of the creation of new regions out of the current Northern Region, and how the reorganization will affect the fortunes of Dagbon Traditional Area,” a statement from the Council said.

“The Council resolved that it will not cede any part of Dagbon lands for the convenience of new regional formations. It will, however continue to respect the legitimate demands of identified stakeholders for new regions to be carved out of the Northern Region.”

Citi News gathered that, a delegation will be sent to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to officially inform him of their position.

Below was a communique issued at the end of the meeting.

Dagbↄŋ Traditional Council Meets on Regional Reorganization

Saturday, 23 December 2017

The Regent of Dagbↄŋ, and acting President of the Dagbↄŋ Traditional Council, Kampakuya-Naa, Andani Yakubu Abdulai called a special Expanded Council meeting to discuss the Government initiated Constitutional processes on Regional Reorganization.

The Special Meeting of the Dagbↄŋ Traditional Council (DTC) was held at the forecourt of the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi today. The meeting brought together Paramount Chiefs, Divisional Chiefs and prominent citizens of the Dagbↄŋ Traditional Area. In all, chiefs from 13 Districts, (Metro and Municipalities included) that makeup the Dagbↄŋ Traditional Areas in the Northern Region attended the special expanded meeting.

These 13 districts are: Tamale Metro, Cheriponi, Gushegu, Kariga, Kumbungu, Mion, Saboba, Sagnarigu, Savelugu/Nanton Municipal, Tatale/Sanguli, Tolon, Yendi Municipal, and Zabzugu. These 13 districts encapsulate the jurisdictions of the Traditional Area.

The Council welcomed the Government policy of regional reorganization and pledged to support it. It reflected deeply on the implications of the creation of new regions out of the current Northern Region and how the reorganization will affect the fortunes of Dagbↄŋ Traditional Area.

The Council resolved that it will not cede any part of Dagbↄŋ lands for the convenience of new regional formations. It will however continue to respect the legitimate demands of identified stakeholders for new regions to be carved out of the Northern Region.

In consultation with the Regent of Bimbilla, it has been decided that the Dagbↄŋ Traditional Council and the Nanung Traditional Council will issue a joint Memorandum to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on Regional Reorganization, spelling out our demands. The two Councils have the highest confidence in the Government of His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo and the policy on Regional Reorganization and will continue to cooperate in the implementation of the policy.

Thank you.

SIGNED
Registrar
Dagbↄŋ Traditional Council

cc: All Media Houses

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post You can’t use our lands for Eastern Corridor region – Dagbon Chiefs appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The tension that greeted the entire Dagbon, after the murder, the agony and pain endured by close relations, the conspiracy theories, and all the lies and half-truths, perhaps are now confined to history, notwithstanding that the solution remains uncertain. However, one thing for certain, the events following the murder were to define the intrigues of the chieftaincy politics in Dagbon and its relationship with partisan politics, which deeply divided the people in entrenched suspicions. Divorce, break-up of relationships, burning of houses, and the constant promising of gloom helped by local radio, became the norm.

The effect on the nation, of this crisis, was loud as it could not escape the attention of the Government. In fact, the government was implicated in the murder of the King. The response from the government then focused on two measures – a Commission of Enquiry under the chairmanship of Justice Wuaku; and a Reconciliation Committee of Eminent Chiefs under the leadership of the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II. Whilst the government touted its commitment to a resolution, some believed the process commenced by it excluded the most important element – finding the killers and punishing them. The common chorus was ‘there cannot be peace without justice”.

Truly, peace does not connote justice. It is also true that justice does not end with successful prosecution, if the victims are still filled with pain. There may be criminal justice but not inner justice. Therefore, whilst the genuine call for justice remained important, the process to establish the facts of the crisis and to pursue the path of reconciliation, were to not only bring an end to a long standing dispute in Dagbon chieftaincy succession, but also the inner justice for the families of the murdered King. This is why the narrative must change going forward, as there cannot be a “one-fit-all” approach to a resolution.

Even more, the search for justice must be carefully guided by due process, and be devoid of the intent to satisfy a crying victim just for the sake of it, or in this case to appease one faction of the Dagbon chieftaincy divide for a political gain, as the NDC government was accused of. Whatever the outcome of the court trials, Dagombas now know that arresting and trying fourteen alleged “killers of the king” under the NDC government did not take us near a resolution, given that the alleged killers were acquitted and discharged by a competent court. If any, it threw further wide the search for the killers.

What we must understand now is that although the real killers may be at large, and may be far from the justice many people had wanted, they simply cannot be far from God’s justice. This should spur us on as we consider other outstanding complexities of the crisis to make progress towards a journey that will restore Dagbon to normalcy with the enskinement of a new Ya Naa. But who am I to preach to the converted? Many Dagombas are Muslims and understand this well.

It is now part of our history that the cost of the crisis is overwhelming. The opportunity cost of the crisis is the development we have lost. Several millions of cedis have gone down the drain, in attempts at addressing the crisis. I recall the efforts to attract investments to Tamale and the Northern Region in general; and the difficulties encountered at the hands of multi-billion companies like Coca Cola and Boeing International.

We cannot be in self-denial that the cost we are counting in terms of investment misopportunities may just be a tip of the iceberg relative to our failure to exploit our human potential as a people, the level of hopelessness that enslaved our people and our productivity. We started a journey, moving one step forward and thousand steps backward, playing the blame game and engaging in counter-productive arguments about “who killed the Ya Naa and forty others”. Our own people no longer found it sensible to do business on our land. The reason was simple – no peace and security in Dagbon!

In spite of these lost opportunities, it cannot be true that some people did not profit from this misfortune. The so called ‘chieftaincy contractors’ have not helped the healing process, as one press conference after another, became the platform for showing their altruistic support and in the process prevailing on the emotions of vulnerable people, for their own selfish gain. Therefore, not only the families of the royal gates have been involved in this crisis, but also those who claim to love them. These are the people who have brought Dagbon to the brink of a kingdom in search for a clear direction and survival. These people concocted conspiracies in hushed tones to demean the intelligence of the Dagbon people, using radio in particular to spread poison, and in the process inciting one Dagomba against another Dagomba in a war none of them can win. They must be ashamed of their roles which further divided the royal family of Dagbon, instead of helping them heal their wounds.

A careful observation of the road to a resolution of the crisis presents two facts. One, the resolution of the crisis defies the political party in government of our country, as the major parties who showed interest in the crisis, NDC and NPP, were both not able to end it despite being in government for 8 years each. Two and most important, there have not been efforts by Dagombas themselves apart from those made by government to address our own problems.

The latter of the two observations is particularly worrying because the Dagbon people have historically been recognized as hard working people, peace loving, hospitable and generous among other attributes. Our politicians are some of the most vocal and intelligent in our country’s politics. There are countless Dagombas in business, banking, academia, farming, medicine and science, excelling in their various endeavors. Dagbon can be proud that we have distinguished traditional chiefs like my grandfathers Kumbung Naa, Sagnari Naa, Gulpke Naa, Bamvim Lana, Tolon Gban Lana, to mention others, who are not only well respected by our people and by their peers, but some of them are accomplished professionals who left a mark of excellence in their former organizations before ascending to their current roles. I dare say that our collective failure to put Dagbon back on track pales in the shadows of our professional excellence. We have what it takes to solve the crisis, but we went to sleep expecting someone to wake us up. This is not acceptable!

The President of our Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has recently demonstrated renewed determination to bring the crisis to an end. However, by stating repeatedly that he is not a Dagomba, he does not belong to the Abudu and Andani Gates, and has therefore no interest in the crisis apart from reconciling us and bringing back the dignity of a once revered Kingdom; should be that wake up call we have been waiting for. We must as a matter of urgency rise to the call and get ready at putting our shoulders to the wheel.

We need to rally behind the decision of the Eminent Chiefs, and the Government; and play our part in reconstructing the future of Dagbon. We cannot sit and watch our history being written by others. We must be part of defining our destiny for the future of our children. We must begin this by contributing to build a decent and dignified palace for our future King, a place we can all call our home. Our leaders must call a conference for us to talk to each other with frankness; and eventually forgive ourselves and declare a truce. We must initiate urgent steps to get the Abudu and Andani families agree to the road map declared by the Eminent Chiefs. These actions carried out with an abiding faith in our collective wisdom, our strength and ultimately God’s will, promise to help Dagombas reclaim our place in the affairs of our country, our respect as decent people and to position our community among the most civilized communities of the world.

–

By: Adam Mohammed

Email: [email protected]

A Concerned Son of Dagbon

The post Dagbon weeps as her people sit in limbo [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The upcoming event seeks to protest further delays in the implementation of the final phase of the road-map to peace in Dagbon by the three eminent chiefs’ Mediation Committee handling the Dagbon chieftaincy impasse.

[contextly_sidebar id=”H9MogLoLdWowBFMAfbfOEpRjSgD6gu1p”]The Dagbon Malimi Zungo (DAMAZ) youth group in collaboration with other major stakeholders in Dagbon, is organizing the peace march.

According to DAMAZ Chairman, Alhaji Baako, the necessary security arrangements have been put in place to prevent any unpleasant situation.

lhaji Baako Jagbo told Citi News that the youth of Dagbon were tired of the delays.

He admonished the Asantehene led Mediation Committee to quicken its pace in bringing to finality the age-long chieftaincy dispute between the Abudu and Andani Royals in Dagbon.

He stressed the need for the Mediation Committee to ignore the machinations of “Chieftaincy contractors” in Dagbon, and ensure that the funerals of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai1 IV, and that of the late Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II are performed in the old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

He further asked the law enforcement agencies to deal with miscreants who might take advantage of the peace march to cause trouble in Yendi.

Background

The DAMAZ earlier expressed misgivings about the mediation efforts by the three eminent chiefs, following an inconclusive recent meeting between representatives of the Abudu and Andani royals at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi.

Whereas the Abudus insisted that the final funeral rites of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV should be performed in the old Gbewaa palace at Yendi, the Andanis remained defiant in opposition to the proposal.

A heated argument there necessitated the Asantehene led three eminent Kings Mediation Committee’s adjournment of the meeting by two weeks.

The DAMAZ leadership after the said meeting, issued a statement and tasked the three eminent chiefs to be firm and bring to finality implementation of the final phase of the road-map to peace in Dagbon.

History

The DAMAZ was officially launched on September 10, 2017, with the overall objective of uniting Dagombas towards building a prospective and industrious Dagbon Kingdom.

As the brainchild of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, the DAMAZ formed part of government’s agenda to permanently resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute between the Abudu and Andani Royals.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Dagbon Youth group to march for peace in Yendi appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A recent meeting between representatives of the Abudu and Andani royals at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi was inconclusive.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Pym5nV9lfndgH5tJJetLexp772VhqgtG”]Whereas the Abudus insisted that the final funeral rites of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV should be performed in the old Gbewaa palace at Yendi, the Andanis remained defiant in opposition to the proposal.

A heated argument there necessitated the Asantehene led three eminent Kings mediation committee’s adjournment of the meeting by two weeks.

The leadership of the Dagbon Malimi-Zungo Network present at the said meeting, in a statement has implored the three eminent Kings meditation committee to be firm and bring to finality implementation of the final phase of the road-map to peace in Dagbon.

The statement signed by the DAMAZ Network Chairman, Alhaji Jagbo Baako, and copied citifmonline.com, condemned any machinations by some self-seeking individuals or groups that are blocking the implementation of the final phase of the road-map to peace in Dayton.

He asked government to double its efforts towards empowering the three eminent Kings mediation committee to accomplish its unfinished agenda.

Alhaji Jagbo Baako stressed that the Network’s demand for peace in Dagbon is non-negotiable, saying, “We want to remind our fathers that their action in the past has cost Dagbon so much and we the youth are no longer willing to continue that path. Our demand for peace in Dagbon now is non-negotiable.”

Find below the full statement

DAGBON YOUTH POSITION ON THE STALEMATE OF THE DAGBON CHIEFTAINCY CRISIS
The leadership of Dagbon Malima Zungo (DAMAZ) wish to call on the leaders of Abudu and Andani royal family, the committee of eminent Kings led by the Otumfour and The Government of Ghana to consider the interest of the youth in their handling of the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis.

For the last fifteen years Dagbon has been at stalemate over a crisis that dates back to the 18th century, for all the years this dispute has existed, never has it ever been prolonged for this number of years.

For all these while, vested interest and selfish desires has held the entire kingdom to ransom. We are appealing to the parties to let sleeping dogs lie and allow peace a chance to rein now, for a better tomorrow.

Whiles thanking both factions for their commitment in the peace process for over a decade now, we will like them to reflect on the membership of the various families who initiated the process in the committee and consider the current membership. The leadership of both families undoubtedly is not the same. Even the committee itself has a replacement to its membership. A good number of them are now dead and the inevitable awaits us all. So everyone in leadership position should be reminded that he or she shall one day be call upon to account for all his deeds on earth.

Observing the committee’s meeting with both families on the 29th of October 2017, we retired to our hotel rooms in total silence with many of our members unable to take supper. It was pitiful, shameful and fearful. The future of Dagbon is bleak, if it is left in the hands of these feuding factions to decide on what to do and what not to do. Hence our call on the committee of eminent kings and the government of Ghana to salvage our kingdom for the future generation. The future of Dagbon is at stake and we would like all and sundry, particularly the youth in Dagbon to respect the final outcome of the committee. We understand that Dagbon is not in normal times and therefore, we need some degree of flexibility in the customs and traditions.

We would therefore wish to appeal to all stakeholders particularly our fathers in both parties to respect and obey the agreement reached. We the youth are no more going to accept further excuses from both parties and would as such support any individual or persons who stand by this outcome. We wish to further appeal to government to be firm on the implementation of the outcome reached.

Our dear kingdom has suffered for far too long under this crisis, and we believe enough is enough. Dagbon must be restored today for a better tomorrow. We would further resist any attempt by individuals who may try to foment trouble in the name of the youth.

Our fathers and chiefs must put the interest of our future above their personal interest. We believe that the performances of the funerals of the two Ya Naas will calm the nerves of all well-meaning Dagombas and pave the way for the installation of a new Ya Naa, who can use his power to positively influence and unite the kingdom.

We want to remind our fathers that their action in the past has cost Dagbon so much and we the youth are no longer willing to continue that path.  Our demand for peace in Dagbon now is non negotiable.
Alhaji Jagbo Baako

(Chairman)
0209093355
[15:07, 11/6/2017]

–

Karim: By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Dagbon youth angry over Yaa-Naa funeral stalemate appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The President, who is passionate about Dagbon’s genuine reconciliation and unity, insisted that Dagbon deserves a new Yaa-Naa.

The Dagbon chieftaincy stalemate prominently featured in the President’s speech when he visited the Mamprugu, Yagbon and Dagbon paramountcies.

“I am appealing to the three chiefs mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy issue to intensify your efforts and work even harder to make sure that this year’s Damba festival in Yendi will have a new Yaa-Naa presiding over the festival.”

He said government remains resolute in bringing to finality, the implementation of the final phase of the road-map to sustaining peace in Dagbon.

President Nana Akufo Addo reassured the three eminent Kings mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute that government is fully behind them.

“My government stands ready to give maximum support for whatever formula and efforts the three eminent chiefs bring about to resolve the issues in Dagbon. Government will give you full support to make sure that negotiations and understanding come to a fruitful conclusion.”

President Nana Addo at the Dagbon Regent and the Abudu Regent palaces said his regional tour will be an important feature of his Presidency.

He showed appreciation for the chiefs’ acknowledgement of the fulfillment of some of his campaign promises. He described their testimonies as the panacea to building trust in the institutions of governance.

President Nana Addo mocked the ‘doubting Thomases’ of the free SHS policy, and assured Ghanaians that it has come to stay.

“Those who said that the free SHS was not possible, I hope they are still walking alright here in Ghana. The importance of the policy is that, it is vital for the future of our country that all our youth are given the weapons of tomorrow so that they can face tomorrow with confidence.”

“The last five years every year, over one hundred thousand young Ghanaians are not able to go to senior high school not because they do not have the intellectual capacity, but because their parents could not pay.”

The Dagbon Regent, Kampakuya Abdulai Yakubu Andani, commended the government for implementing policies geared towards alleviating the plight of the masses.

He called for a permanent solution to the age-long chieftaincy impasse in Dagbon, but condemned attempts to create a parallel authority in Dagbon.

“I am committed to a peaceful resolution of the Dagbon chieftaincy impasse,” he stated.

He appealed to government to upgrade the Yendi district hospital and also rehabilitate and expand the Yendi water system.

The Dagbon Regent bemoaned the prevalence of Chinese illegal mining activities in Dagbon. The Regent of the Abudus, Boling-Lana Mahamadu Abdulai, touted President Nana Addo as a man who “walks his talk.”

He thanked government for implementing the free SHS, planting for food and jobs, restoration of teacher and nursing trainees’ allowances.

The Boling-Lana urged Ghanaians to give the President their maximum support and cooperation to deliver on his campaign promises.

He also bemoaned the recurring acute water shortage in the Yendi Municipality, and admonished government to fix the problem.

The Regent of the Abudus declared the family’s support to the committee of eminent chiefs mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute to complete its long-standing assignment.

He said Dagombas must unite for the area’s socio-economic progress.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Dagbon deserves a Yaa-Naa – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, government’s renewed commitment to help stakeholders mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy find a lasting solution to the problem is not for political gains.

He was speaking in Tamale at the official launch of a project codenamed, “Dagbon Peace and Progress Now.”

The project forms part of government’s agenda to permanently resolve the Dagbon chiefdom dispute.

It is also intended to unite Dagombas towards building a prospective and industrious Dagbon Kingdom.

He said government will make available the needed resources to achieve that goal.

Kofi Dzemasi admonished the youth of Dagbon to get involved in the renewed efforts geared towards restoring the Dagbon Kingdom’s dignity.

The Northern Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with Dagbon Malimizungo (DAMAZ) Network initiated the project.

Background
An Inter-Ministerial Committee set up by the government to assist the three eminent Kings mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy problem recently succeeded in convincing representatives of the Abudu and Andani Royals to resume the peace talks at Manhyia Palace.

Both sides of the chieftaincy divide along the line boycotted the sittings following misunderstanding on implementation of the final phase of the Roadmap to peace restoration in Dagbon.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Security Ministry.

As the lead advocate, the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed is networking with stakeholders mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy impasse to succeed in solving the problem.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the then Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party pledged his commitment to permanently resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy stalemate.

He recently at the Flagstaff House reassured the chiefs and people of Dagbon of his neutrality in trying to overturn the situation.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Gov’t will remain neutral in managing Dagbon dispute – Minister appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The project forms part of government’s agenda to permanently resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute between the Abudu and Andani Royals.

The Dagbon Peace and Progress Now project is the brain child of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council and the Dagbon Malimizungo (DAMAZ) network.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed at the official launch called for collective responsibility to sustain the project.

He said Dagbon’s peace and total unity will translate into national cohesion required to attract investors.

Salifu Saeed said the project is non-partisan and appealed to all sons and daughters of Dagbon to join the bandwagon.

He described Dagbon as the beacon of the Northern Region that is abound with natural resources but is lagging behind in terms of development because of the area’s insecurity.

He appreciated previous governments attempt to solve the Dagbon chieftaincy feud and emphasized the need for multifaceted approach to finally achieve the desired peace needed in Dagbon.

He assured traditional authorities in Dagbon that government will give them foreign travel opportunities to woo investors to their traditional areas.

A former Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna on behalf of his colleague former regional ministers advised that government should strictly follow the existing roadmap to permanently resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy feud.

He warned that any attempt to digress from the already laid down roadmap to peace could mar earlier progress made towards building a united Dagbon.

Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna proposed the establishment of a bipartisan committee to handle the issue.

He further advised government to liaise with the Kingmakers and religious leaders of Dagbon to achieve the goal.

The Northern Regional Director of National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), Alhaji Abdul Razak Saani tasked Dagbon youth to be focused and renew their commitment towards rebuilding Dagbon.
According to him, Dagombas cannot continue to be disunited, hence the need for genuine reconciliation and unity.

Alhaji Razak Saani regretted that Dagbon’s retrogression has enslaved some Dagbon youth who migrated to southern Ghana in search of jobs.

“Without peace and unity, no investor will invest in Dagbon to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth,” he lamented.

“We need to sit down and ask ourselves questions because Dagbon is bigger than self seeking individuals. Government should solve the Dagbon problem without political considerations.”

He pleaded with religious Clerics to desist from taking sides and serve as peace Ambassadors in Dagbon.

“Dagbon will never be in shame again because we need to unite for our common good.”

Former Northern Regional Ministers comprising Prince Imoro Andani, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Abubakari Abdullah, Ben Bukari Salifu graced the occasion.

Government functionaries including Minister of Business Development, Alhaji Mohammed Awal Ibrahim, Deputy Energy Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam Anta, Deputy Chief of Staff, Clara Napaga Tia Sulemana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), Akilu Shaibu, Deputy Regional Minister, Hon. Solomon Boar and the Tamale Mayor, Iddrisu Musah Superior were there.

Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Kofi Dzamesi and National Security Minister , Kan Dapaah witnessed the memorable occasion.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post ‘Dagbon Peace and Progress Now’ project launched appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to President Akufo-Addo, the resolution of the crisis and the non-enskinment of a Yaa-Naa for the past 15 years is a matter of great national concern.

Speaking to a group of chiefs from the Northern region on Friday, the president urged the chiefs to help bring lasting peace to the area.

“Peace in Dagbon just not just involved Dagbon but it involves the whole of Ghana. It is a matter of high national priority that we give Dagbon peace. Whatever formula that you (traditional chiefs) you agree on as a way forward for resolving the crisis in Dagbon will have the full support of my government and myself.”

“It is in the interest of all of us that this matter of Dagbon is put to rest. It is been there for far too long and it is retarding the progress of the area,” he said.

The Dagbon chieftaincy impasse between the Abudu and Andani royals gained notoriety after the demise of the late Dagbon overlord, Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II on March 27, 2002.

Although successive govenrment have promised to restore peace in the area and ensure a peaceful enskinment of a new overlord, none of such has been achieved.

But Akufo-Addo has said his government will do all it can to ensure that the fracas is addressed before the celebration of this year’s Damba festival.

“I’ll love to see that this year, by the time of the Damba festival in December, there is a new Yaa-Naa,” he said.

Meanwhile, the regional security council, is engaging in discussions with the various parties and stakeholders in the Dagbon skin affairs and also the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, headed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to ensure that lasting peace is brought to Dagbon.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Gov’t supports Dagbon conflict resolution plans appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Government in its forward march to solve the problem has constituted an inter-ministerial committee led by the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed to handle the issue.

The inter ministerial task force task is to corroborate the three eminent Kings led by the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II mediation committee’s Roadmap to peace in Dagbon agenda.

The Northern Regional House of Chiefs under the watch of Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa I is happy about government’s unshaken move to permanently resolve the issue.

The house has assured the government of its fullest support in that regard to restore Dagbon’s dignity.

Citi News is reliably informed that two of the eminent Kings mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy feud, the Yagbonwura of Gonja land and the Nayiri of Mamprugu land will today (Friday) meet President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo at the Flag Staff House in Accra.

They are to thank the President for taking steps to assist the Otumfuo Mediation Committee solve the Dagbon problem and to discuss other matters concerning the split of Northern Region into three.

Considering the vast nature of the Northern Region, government has endorsed  the Gonja land traditional council’s proposal for creation of the Gonja land region in addition to that of the Eastern Corridor.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed is leaving no stone unturned to rebrand the region to attract investors.

He is galvanizing particularly the youth for constructive purposes to reposition the region as the hub of the Sahel.

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Karim: By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post N/R House of Chiefs happy with dispute resolution efforts appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.