These comprised Yunyoo, Bimbila, Daboya/Mankarigu, Nalerigu/Gambaga and Karaga, which have been identified as political hotspots.

The first phase of the elections were held in 24 out of the 31 constituencies, and these included the four main Tamale Central, Tamale North, Tamale South and Sagnarigu.

The second phase scheduled for Sunday, February 25, 2018 will be held in Salaga South, Salaga North and Zabzugu constituencies.

The NPP Northern Regional Communications Director, Issahaque A. Latif, told Citi News that the elections would be conducted in a total of 2,676 polling stations.

He described the first phase as generally peaceful, and anticipates that the whole exercise will be devoid of upheavals.

Issahaque A. Latif called for a united and a formidable NPP after the constituency elections.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NPP N/R elections: 5 constituencies isolated over security concerns appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The clan said it was alarmed by the police inability to so far smoke out the culprits for prosecution since the incident occurred on Sunday, November 10, 2017.

[contextly_sidebar id=”igdgyltyMBmaHT7nP5eg29yNGPIHOdWB”]The clan’s Spokesperson, Gberika Duut Yandam, at a news conference in Tamale emphasized that, they would no longer tolerate such wicked acts, and that they can no longer rely on the law enforcement agencies for their safety.

“We have been stretched beyond our elastic limit, and would be compelled to retaliate if measures are not put in place by the district security council and other stakeholders to bring finality to the dispute.”

The Bauk clan called for the immediate arrest of one Kombat Saa, a businessman who allegedly smuggles unlicensed weapons into the area heightening the tension there.

The Bauk clan also accused the Member of Parliament for Bukpurugu, Solomon Boar, of doing little about the land dispute which has degenerated into the recent killing of four persons.

Below is their statement.

PRESS STATEMENT –THE ESCALATION OF BAUK/TANMUNG CONFLICT FROM SAYOO TO NAJONG No.1 IN THE BUNKPURUGU/YUNYOO DISTRICT

DATE: 21st December, 2017

Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen of the press and thanks for honouring our invitation.

The entire Bauk Community in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District of the Northern Region are saddened by the gruesome murder of four (4) people and the wounding of several others including women and children on a busy market day in Najong No.1 on Sunday 10^th December, 2017 between 6:00pm and 7:00pm by a group of marauding youth on motorbikes suspected to be members of the Tanmung clan. We have been left in shock, disappointment and in pain.

The family is yet to recover and come to terms with the fact that a group of people in their right frame of mind can debase fellow Ghanaians and subject them to such dehumanizing and barbaric act of taking the lives of innocent and law abiding citizens whose only crime was transacting lawful business at the market square. It is crystal clear and a fact that traders were not engaged in any wrongdoing to deserve this senseless and cowardly act.

We are consoled by the outpouring of sympathy and show of love from well-wishers who can attest to the peaceful and law abiding nature of the Bauk clan in particular residents of Najong No.1. We are however, saddened by the misrepresentation and misinformation that are churned out mostly by the media and other commentators.

History

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press

Sayoo is a farming community in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District occupied by the Bauk and Tanmung clans. A conflict arose over a productive parcel of land which was released by the Bauk clan to accommodate a Fulani tenant. This parcel of land became a bone of contention after the departure of the Fulani settler because it was fertile.

This resulted in serious confrontation between the feuding clans which ended up in the law court and was erroneously ruled in September, 1988 that the Tanmung clan owned Sayoo and not just the parcel of land in question. Sayoo was occupied by Bauk Rana who allowed his uncles (the Tanmung people) to cohabit with him.

After 2010 however, the fragile peace in the area was disturbed by the Tanmung chief in Sayoo when he demanded that the Bauk people should consult him to pour libation before putting up houses in their own land. Upon refusal to meet his demands, this war monger mobilised his youth armed them and launched an attack on the Bauk people when they started building a house. Now demanding that the entire Bauk people settled in Sayoo should vacate the land, resulting in a serious gun battle. It took the security forces time to calm the situation. After this incident however, a series of events took place as follows;

. They mounted road blocks to the only available road to prevent the Bauk people from accessing the commercial centres.

• Prevented the drilling of a borehole in the Bauk people area (it should be noted that, those boreholes in question were sponsored by the MP Hon. Solomon N. Boar)
• Prevented electricity extension to the Bauk by seizing the electrical poles to the Bauk settlement.
• Refusal of the Tanmung people to allow for the siting of an electoral polling station for the Bauk territory.

These issues, even though reported to the District Security Council (DISEC) and the Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Solomon N. Boar who himself is from the Tanmung clan fell on deaf ears.

In fact, ladies and gentlemen of the press, this behavior of the MP is a clear manifestation that the MP took sides which is a stab on our back as the events have awaken us to the reality of the day.

These unresolved issues gave cause for the Chief of Nakpanduri; Naaba David M. Kansuk to intervene in the conflict.

A joint committee comprising Bauk and Tanmung was formed to find an amicable and lasting solution to the impasse. The resolution and recommendations of the committee is attached as appendix 1

Both parties agreed to the Nakpanduri Naaba’s ruling for the sake of peace and  30^th of April, 2016, was proposed for a blood burial ceremony to take place to signify lasting peace in the area. However, this unrepentant and war mongering Tanmung clan who have incited and instigated almost all conflicts in Bimoba land, out of the blue rejected the peace plan led by the Chief in a letter dated 29^th April, 2016 to Nakpanduri Chief, copied to DISEC and all Chiefs in Bimoba land citing the following reasons. See appendix 2 attached.

Two days after the aborted blood burial ceremony, the Tanmung Chief organized an attack on the Bauk people leaving many dead and several others wounded. The intervention of the Security Agencies calmed the situation but the Bauk clan could not access market centres and hospital through the main road due to eminent attacks from the Tanmung chief and his allies. An alternative route by the Bauk was also subjected to constant ambush which ultimately led to the murder of two Bauk youth.

It is clear and evident that the unrepentant Tanmung who have always found comfort in conflicts and trigger happy in almost all conflicts in Bimoba land, is happily and shamelessly involved in this cowardly and dastardly act of killing the four innocent souls with the support and blessing of their Kingpins; like Honourable Solomon N. Boar the MP for Bunkpurugu constituency and Deputy Regional Minister, Former MP Mr. Laar John Nirokinan (CEO of Rabito Clinic – Bunkpurugu) and  one Mr. Kombat popularly known as ‘’Saa’’ at the blind side of some peace loving members of the Tanmung clan.

DEMANDS

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press

The Bauk Clan in the history of Bimoba land is law abiding, peaceful and sociable. These attributes cannot and should not be taken for granted. We have been pushed beyond our elastic limit and therefore demand the following:

• Immediately institute an investigation into the matter and bring the perpetrators to book.
• The immediate arrest of Mr. Kombat “’Saa’’ (A Businessman and Transport owner) who has made it his business of illegally transporting weapons into the area.
• The current Member of Parliament and Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Solomon N. Boar as a matter of principle should do the honourable thing by resigning.
• The Establishment of a Police Station in Najong No.1 to serve the security of the people in the central part of the District.
• The immediate re-opening of the school in the Bauk side of the community.
• Extend the suspended provision of borehole facilities and electricity to the Bauk settlement of Sayoo.
• All closed roads reopened to facilitate free movement of people, goods and services.
• Establishment of a District Court to serve the judicial needs of the people in the district.

CONCLUSION

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press

As a people and patriots, we state that the foundation of our existence and might has been tested and enough is enough. The pressure from the base is enormous but the opinion leaders are up to the task and calming the youth to desist from any reprisal but there is a limit to everything.

If the government, the Security Agencies and the Member of Parliament (MP) in whom we entrusted our sovereignty and power cannot protect and fight for us well….We will defend our land, our people and our destiny even at the peril of our lives. We don’t deserve this. Do we?

As we grieve, it is our expectation that the authorities with the assistance of the few peace loving people of Tanmung clan will find all the people involved and bring them to justice.

We the peace loving Bauk clan want to assure Ghanaians that we shall not reject or undermine any peaceful engagement with the state.

Family Spokesperson

Mr. Dubali Robert Maloni

Signed:

Name: Mr Paul Adambil-Laar

Name: Mr G. D. Yandam

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Bauk clan threatens retaliation over Bunkprugu killings appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

They insist that Namong deserves such status because it has met the requirements required for the siting of the district capital.

[contextly_sidebar id=”onXsxBQMO16s9zdbrhecSubStQGPDXan”]President of the Konkomba Students Union (Gbintiri chapter), Emmanuel Gulari, at a news conference in Tamale described Namong as the economic hub of the Yunyoo constituency, hence their incessant demands.

“We know there were two communities and their leadership applied for the district capital of the yet to be created district in Yunyoo Constituency about six months ago. Yunyoo and Namong were the communities that applied for the district capital of which we the Konkombas form 76.84% of the total voter population in the constituency, unanimously chose Namong for the district capital to be sited after considering many factors.”

“The farming system in the area, facilities such as police station in Namong, building facilities to house the Assembly and its workers in Namong, Markets surrounding Namong, the catchment area of the community Namong, the secondary School in Namong  and above all, the political interest  of the people to have the district capital sited in Namong, and our total rejection if the district capital is sited at Yunyoo.”

According to Emmanuel Gulari, they earlier petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Electoral Commission, the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, Local  Government and Rural Development Minister, Hajia Alima Mahama and all the relevant authorities over their demand.

“On the 28^th July, 2017, we petitioned the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo –Addo, stating our facts on why an economically viable community like Namong deserves the district capital.

“On the 22^nd September 2017, we again submitted our resolution adopted at Gbunkurugu on the 31^st August, 2017  to the president of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the stance of Konkombas in the constituency and beyond.”

“The President paid a courtesy call on Nayiri, the king of Mamprugu on the 6^th of October, 2017, of which the office Konkomba Students Union presented a similar petition to His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, indicating why the union thinks the Konkombas in the Yunyoo constituency deserve the district capital of the yet to be created district.”

Emmanuel Gulari emphasized their demand saying, “To crown it all, we these groups upon several meetings and press conferences once again resolved that the district capital be given to a Konkomba community and Namong for that matter, and as a result, submitted another resolution through the Member of Parliament for Yunyoo Constituency, Hon. Joseph Bipoba Naabu and Konkomba Student Union President for Gbintiri Chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Gulari to the following offices.”

He expressed their disappointment over the relevant authorities’ failure to respond to their petition, hence the second petition to echo their demand.

“We expressly wish to make it known to the public that we have not received any responses from  these offices as of now, yet the maturity date for the Legislative Instrument for creation of new districts is getting closer, as we are noticed it will be on Tuesday, the 19^th of December, 2017.”

“We therefore wish to respectfully appeal to the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo –Addo, and the Minister for Local government, Hon. Hajia Alima Mahama, to kindly have a listening ear to our plea for the needed development, equity and a more united front to prevail in the area. To conclude, we wish to make it known and clear that any Konkomba community like  Nasuan, apart from Namong, having been considered by the government and the president of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, could be awarded the district capital of the yet to be created district.”

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Yunyoo: Konkombas petition gov’t again over capital for new district appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Police, upon a tip-off, impounded the vehicle carrying six pump action guns and 130 cartridges.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WZOzr1KJTSgzoWJQKzozBnOFCa5t2EF3″]The suspects will be transferred to the Northern Regional Police Command for further investigations.

A source close to the Northern Regional Security Council revealed to Citi News that the suspects had targeted heightening the tension in the area ahead of the creation of the new Yunyoo district.

Recently, there were reported sporadic gunshots in the constituency believed to have been related to the location of the capital of the yet-to-be-created Yunyoo district.

Whilst some residents there have proposed Yunyoo as the capital, others prefer Namong, one of the densely-populated Konkomba communities.

Some chiefs, in collaboration with the Konkomba Students Union recently renewed calls for Namong to be named the district capital.

They said their demand was non-negotiable and also served notice that they will resist any attempt to ignore their proposal.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his “Thank You” tour of the Northern Region announced the upgrading of six districts in the Northern Region.

He also revealed government’s intention to separate Yunyoo from the current Bunkprugu-Yunyoo district and also Nantong from the Savelugu-Nantong district.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Six arrested for attempting to smuggle weapons into Yunyoo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This followed sporadic gunshots there over the siting of the capital for the yet to be created Yunyoo District.

[contextly_sidebar id=”ieALhgBgQABhFX2xXW91gPfajffq5Syp”]Whilst some residents are advocating that Yunyoo should be the district capital, others are proposing Namong, the birthplace of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu.

This has created seeming tension there, hence the reinforcement to maintain law and order.

Yunyoo, Namong, Nasoani, Jimbale, Gbankurugu and Temaa, are among the densely populated farming communities in the Yunyoo area.

Residents there are predominantly Bimobas, Konkombas, Mamprusis and other minority tribes.

The RECSEC Chairman, Salifu Saeed told Citi News that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent any untoward situation there.

He admonished residents of the area to exercise maximum restraint and cooperate with the government to decouple Yunyoo from the Bunkprugu/Yunyoo district.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his recent tour of the Northern Region announced his administration’s intention to create additional two districts, namely Nantong and Yunyoo.

According to the President, other six districts including Sagnarigu, West and East Mamprusi are to be upgraded.

The Northern Region currently has 26 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and 31 constituencies.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Gunshots fired in Yunyoo over creation of new district appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.