The Council is alarmed by some Muslim Clerics’ deliberate use of local radio stations to create tension in the area, hence the caution.

Chairman of the REGSEC, Salifu Saeed in a statement copied Citi News condemned a recent misunderstanding between two Sunni Muslim Sections, the Ambariya and Masjid Bayan in Tamale that nearly resulted in a deadly clash.

“REGSEC seeks to re-echo its caution to all radio stations to be diligent on the contents of whatever materials they put out to the general public so that passions will not be inflamed to create disturbances in the area.”

“Freedom of speech must be exercised in a manner that it does not hurt or injure others in any way, and radio stations must not allow materials that seek to create misunderstanding in the society,” Mr. Saeed emphasized.

According to him, the reactivated Operation Calm Lives Task-Force has intensified its patrols and would not spare anybody or group of persons perpetuating any acts of lawlessness.

“REGSEC cautions all residents in the metropolis against any acts that will seek to disturb the prevailing peace in the area. Any person or group of persons found to be engaged in any acts that will jeopardize the peace in the area will be dealt with in line with the law.

Salifu Saeed underscored the need for leadership of the feuding factions to promote peaceful coexistence.

“REGGSEC appeals to the leadership of the two groups and all other religious leaders in the region to continue to urge their congregants to appreciate the value of peace and not engage in any acts that can jeopardize the existing peace.”

“As religious leaders, REGSEC believes they hold the key to the achievement of total peace in the region. By their large following, religious leaders wield tremendous influence which can bring the people together to achieve peace, progress and development.”

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Hundreds of displaced persons, particularly children and women, have sought refuge in the bushes and are living there without the basic necessities following the renewed clashes in the area.

After visiting the troubled communities, the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed decried the living conditions of the residents, hence the need to mobilize food and other relief items for their upkeep.

He bemoaned the situation saying, “Women and children have been sleeping in the bushes for the past three days. The sad thing is that, small children are getting diarrhoea and some of them will suffer from pneumonia.”

“Immediately, we are mobilizing gari, sugar and other items that they can consume without having to prepare.”

He stated that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) would be meeting with some chiefs from the North Gonja district today [Tuesday].

“We will not sit down and allow anybody to use any barbaric method to fight people just because they think some people don’t deserve to be chiefs or they don’t own land,” he said.

“For this time we have to treat these as criminal matters and let the law take its own course. That is why I made it very clear that after further interrogations if it demands that some of the chiefs are perpetrators, we will lock them up to deter others.”

Salifu Saeed revealed that security operatives deployed to the troubled communities on Monday have arrested more suspects.

He also added that five AK 47 rifles and several cartridges of ammunition were retrieved from the crime scene.

Two persons died whilst several others were injured following the weekend’s chieftaincy clashes in the North Gonja district.

Parts of the Diisah and Salugu communities in the North Gonja district were set ablaze following the weekend’s renewed chieftaincy clashes between the Gonjas and Tampulimas.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He attributed recent killings in some parts of the region, including Kalampor and Najong Number 1 in the East Gonja and Bunkprugu/Yunyoo districts respectively, to the proliferation of unlicensed weapons which the police administration has revealed, is on the rise.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WRkLGIf9X2JAwLN35BChRTVGOnnVlvV3″]Salifu Saeed gave the order when he led members of the Regional Security  Council (REGSEC), to the troubled Kalampor community where six persons, including three children, were killed by unknown assailants.

He condemned the recent killings and called for a ceasefire and the reinforcement of security personnel in all the identified hotspots.

Mr. Saeed, who doubles as the REGSEC Chairman consoled the bereaved families at Kalampor and reassured them of improved security.

The team inspected the homes and other valuables that had been destroyed by the unknown assailants, whose motive is suspected to be linked to a chieftaincy dispute in the area.

An opinion leader in the Kalampor community, Dramani Majeed, told the REGSEC members that the assailants stormed the area and sporadically shot into a number of houses.

“The perpetrators raided the community at about 5:10am on the day of the incident after they observed their dawn prayers. After the prayers I had a discussion with my uncle in the house and about time they realized a gunshot aimed at them and disclosed further that the bullet had hit his uncle and thereby he rushed to his room.”

He narrated further that, “After the first shot, there was continuous firing and one of his brothers also heard it and started moving towards his house and it was there a second person was shot dead. He added the perpetrators were firing all over the community.”

“It was there I decided to hide through the window and it was there I saw some of the attackers. They were in war dress and I saw one of them in police uniform but actually I can’t identify him. There were other two people among the attackers I identified; they were Mahamudu from Kafaba and Sulemana. In fact, the people were many and they were just shooting and in the process they set these houses ablaze,” he stated.

The REGSEC also visited the Kafaba community where the chief, Kafabawura Seidu Yahaya Nyosumu V rejected claims that the assailants were from the area.

“There are 10 communities under my jurisdiction and therefore it will be difficult to determine which individuals went to attack the people of Kalampor,” he said.

Kafabawura Seidu Yahaya accused the people of Kalampor of attacking the Kafaba community in 2016.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post N/R Minister charges police to crack down on weapons smugglers appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

There was a boycott of the mediation committee’s sittings following a misunderstanding over the implementation of the final phase of the Road Map to peace there.

[contextly_sidebar id=”mt1X6wXzoEaUd4dvgSnPivvjo2ouMaAW”]An Inter-Ministerial Committee set up by the government to permanently solve the problem has succeeded in convincing representatives of the Abudu and Andani Royals to resume the peace talks at Manhyia Palace.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Security Ministry. The Northern Regional Minister, who doubles as Chairman of the Regional Security Council, Salifu Saeed, is the lead advocate.

He exclusively told Citi News that plans are far advanced to permanently resolve the age-long Dagbon chieftaincy stalemate.

This in his estimation could create a peaceful environment for government’s pro-poor flagship programmes including the planting for food and jobs, one-district-one-factory, and free Senior High School to flourish in the region.

“We have been working closely with the chiefs and people, traditional leaders, custodians of the culture, key stakeholders and youth groups just to get a sense of what people are saying and what it is that collaboratively can be done to sustain and deepen the peace in Dagbon in particular.”

“We have done a lot of interactions with them and I can tell you that the Abudus headed by the Boling-Lana and also the Dagbon Regent, the Kampakuya Naa and the Kuga Naa together with other traditional rulers.”

“Myself, the Minister for Culture and Religious Affairs and the National Security Minister, we have visited them and we have been working closely and earnestly with the chiefs and people in Northern Region and also the Committee of Eminent Chiefs headed by the Otumfour.”

Salifu Saeed is convinced that the latest development would not hit a snag saying, “Over the past seven months, the Regional Security Council has engaged in very intensive discussions with the various parties and stakeholders in the Yendi Skin Affairs and also the Committee of Eminent chiefs headed by the Asantehene Otumfour Osei II. The Regional Security Council has also been in close discussion with the National Peace Council as well as the Regional Peace Council on the matter.”

“In all these engagements there is an overwhelming endorsement on the need for the Dagbon Chieftaincy problem to be resolved as quickly as possible to pave way for the speedy socio-economic progress of Dagbon State and the entire Northern Region.”

Dagbon Peace and Progress Now task-force launch

Salifu Saeed disclosed the Inter-Ministerial Committee’s intention to implement series of lined-up activities including the official launch of a local Task-force to be named, “Dagbon Peace and Progress Now.”

It is expected to be launched on Sunday, September 10 at the Tamale Jubilee Park, which will bring together traditional rulers, youth and peace advocates to cement the renewed peace talks.

Salifu Saeed further disclosed that there would be public lectures at second cycle and tertiary institutions, peace marches, durbars and a vigil.

“REGSEC in collaboration with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs will also launch a program dubbed, “Dagbon Peace and Progress Now,” soon. This program will seek to generate a renewed interest and commitment to resolving all the chieftaincy problems in Dagbon to pave way for absolute peace in Dagbon.”

“The determination of RECSEC to the resolution of the matter remains unshaken and the efforts and progress made so far gives the clearest indication of success ahead.”

“REGSEC will work in collaboration with Abudus and Andanis and all stakeholders to ensure that lasting peace is achieved in Dagbon and the entire Northern Region,” he reassured.

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

He recently at the FlagStaff House reassured the chiefs and people of Dagbon of his neutrality in handling the Dagbon chieftaincy stalemate and called for the support of Dagbon and wants the stakeholders to help him build a progressive and prosperous Dagbon State.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Abudus and Andanis to resume Manhyia peace talks appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This is to enable him to convince the company to employ some aggrieved New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth in the area who are protesting their joblessness following the assumption of office of the NPP government.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Kbjg28cR45yORlKdz6Uh72UQlbKlNWpF”]Citi News gathered that the youth on Monday seized equipment belonging to the contractor, Andre Quadrez Construction Company demanding that they are employed.

They vowed not to allow the contractor continue work on the road until they have been employed.

The NPP constituency executives convened an emergency meeting with the contractor due to the impasse in an attempt to resolve it.

The Regional Minister, however, said it was necessary for the company to be closed until the matter was resolved.

Addressing the agitated youth, he said he will ensure that they do not suffer since they worked tirelessly for the NPP to win power.

“Please be patient. I know you are aggrieved. It was due to your hardwork and sleepless nights that the NPP came to power and we are not going to let you suffer. We said you are going to give you jobs and we are going to do that for you.”

He assured the youth that he will ensure that the company employs all of them.

“I’ve have come to meet with the contractors, and we have scheduled Wednesday for a final meeting. I have also asked the security to ensure that the yard is locked. They should make sure that they do not open it. So be patient, they will definitely employ all of you.”

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post “We’ll not let you suffer”- Minister assures NPP youth appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The youth on Monday seized construction equipment belonging the contractors, Andre Quadrez Construction Company.

They vowed that they will not release the equipment till they are employed the company.

Citi News sources say their action prompted an emergency meeting with some constituency executives of the party with the company to find an amicable solution to the impasse.

The Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed who had been briefed on the matter in a meeting with the youth assured them that he will ensure the company employs them.

He expressed his appreciation to the youth for their support to the party and roles in ensuring it came to power.

He said the government will ensure that they do not suffer.

“Please be patient. I know you are aggrieved. It was due to your hard work and sleepless nights that the NPP came to power and we are not going to let you suffer. We said you are going to give you jobs and we are going to do that for you,” he said.

“I’ve have come to meet with the contractors, and we have scheduled Wednesday for a final meeting. I have also asked the security to ensure that the yard is locked. They should make sure that they do not open it. So be patient, they will definitely employ all of you,” he added.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post ‘Unemployed’ NPP youth seize contractor’s equipment over jobs appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The decision was arrived today (Monday) at an emergency meeting held at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council.

This stopgap measure followed growing tension among supporters of two rival chiefs claiming legitimacy to the Mandari chiefdom, after the demise of the late paramount chief, Awuladese Pontomprong Mahama II.

Chairman of the Northern Regional Security Council (RECSEC), Salifu Saeed, told Citi News the two rival factions were invited to the said meeting and cautioned against any violence confrontation there.

He explained the moratorium saying, “RECSEC has resolved to put a ban on the enskinment of the late Bolewura skin giving the fact that there is a dispute there.”

“The two chiefs are preparing and massing up and mobilizing their people to come and take over the vacant skin and that has led to uneasy calm in the area and based on that we have beefed up security in the area.”

Salifu Saeed served notice that government will ruthlessly deal with any group of persons who might foment trouble in the Bole traditional area.

“We saw the urgency to call the two factions to give them warning that if any individual or group of individuals take the law into their hands to mar the peace of the area government will not take kindly to that.”

He pleaded with the overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa I, to assist government find a permanent solution to the chieftaincy stalemate in Bole.

He stressed the need for the two factions to wait patiently for the Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs to determine the legitimate occupant of the vacant Bole skin.

The enskinment of two brothers, Abdulai Issahaku Kant by the late Bolewura, and Abubakari Abutu by the Yagbonwura for the Mandari traditional area caused the feud.

Both were simultaneously enskinned which created parallel authority there.

One of them is required to occupy the vacant Bole skin after the demise of the late Bolewura.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post N/Region REGSEC stops enskinment of new Bolewura appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

These include the United Zongo for Bawumia, NPP Northern Region constituency Chairmen caucus, the party’s regional secretariat and Kukuo NPP youth.

Salifu Saeed, if approved by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, will be the first Northern Regional Minister from the Nanung Traditional Area in Ghana’s fourth Republic.

The aforementioned groups in a Citi News interview said President Nana Akufo Addo’s selection of the former Nanumba North (Bimbila) District Chief Executive is in the right direction.

United Zongo for Bawumia

Spokesperson of the United Zongo for Bawumia, Abdul Karim Oliver, remarked that, “Salifu Saeed’s appointment reaffirms the President’s commitment to the four paramountcies in the Northern Region comprising Dagbon, Mamprugu, Yagbong and Nanung.”

He recalled Salifu Saeed’s achievements as a former DCE saying, “As a District Chief Executive, he added a philosophy of liberation that in its literate defense of the right of individuals, its educated revulsion against violence and mob inflaming incendiary and more especially its mantra of assuring and giving hope to the youth which got him the catchy phrase you can be sure.”

“Salifu Salifu presided over a district that was sharply divided as a result of a protracted chieftaincy dispute, and united the factions to the best of his ability and admiration of all. It is these excellent leadership qualities, vast experience, hard work and service above self that the United Zongo for Bawumia never thought the President was wrong in making this decision,” Abdul Karim Oliver emphasized.

NPP constituency Chairmen caucus

The Northern Region NPP Constituency Chairmen caucus described Salifu Saeed as a time-tested politician, and a unifier capable of administering the region.

The Spokesperson, Imoro Issahaku Jamal Olando, reposed confidence in Salifu Saeed’s ability to galvanize the people for constructive purposes.

He pledged the party leadership’s unflinching support to enable him deliver his mandate.

Salifu Saeed’s profile

Salifu Saeed, who is affectionately called “You can be sure” was born in Bimbila.

He was the Nanumba North District Chief Executive during the erstwhile Kufour led NPP administration.

Politically, he was campaign assistant to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2016 campaign team and doubled as a member of the NPP 2016 Manifesto Committee on Infrastructure.

Salifu Saeed until his appointment was the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Commodities and Logistics Company Limited.

He was a Co-Director of the Savannah Integrated Rural Development Aid and also served as Programmes Officer, Action Aid/Community Action for Development Partnership.

He holds Masters of Development Management (With Research) from the Ghana Institute of management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

He acquired B.A Integrated Development Studies from the University for Development Studies (UDS).

As a social development expert, he will be coordinating 26 districts in the region and one of the priority areas he is expected to tackle is poverty reduction.

Recent Former Northern Regional Ministers include Abubakari Abdullah (Mamprusi), Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna (Gonja) and Moses Bukari Mabengba (Konkomba).

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Groups laud Nana Addo’s choice of Northern Regional Minister appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.