The paramount Chief of Savelugu, Yoo Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani V, has asked the feuding factions in the Bimbila chieftaincy stalemate to give peace a chance in order for development to thrive in the Nanung traditional kingdom in the northern region.
The chief believes the persistent pockets of violence in some parts of the north has disrupted growth and undermined development of the communities having a negative impact on the socioeconomic livelihood of the people.
The chieftaincy impasse in Bimbila is as a result of brothers from one royal home fighting each other for legitimacy in the succession to the highest skin in the Nanung traditional kingdom. Several arbitrations on the matter have taken place as well as the apex court of Ghana making a determination in 2018 to bring finality to the crisis.
However, the government of Ghana in 2019 setup a sole arbiter, the Awoamefia of Anlo State, Togbe Sri III, to ensure the disgruntled factions come to a consensus and smoke the peace pipe to restore a long lasting peace to Nanung.
The sole mediator upon assuming the responsibility separately met the parties involved in Tamale, the capital of the northern region, where he called for maximum support and cooperation from the two sides to ensure a transparent, smooth and successful process that would bring permanent peace to the area.
In this regard, Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani V over the weekend paid a royal visit to Nanung to interact with the Chiefs and people of Bimbila on the need for peaceful coexistence among them.
“I have tried in the past three years to visit Bimbila but all attempts haven’t been successful. Today I am here and I am for a symbolic purpose – to ensure coherence amongst us. Bimbila and Dagbon, we’re one people and we all can attest the cordiality that existed during the days of our forbearers – they used to visit one another and this is why I am also here today to strengthen the bond so that even when there is any difficult, we can consult each other to find an amicable solution” he said.
The former Dagbon Regent reiterated the intermittent chieftaincy disturbances have adversely affected education, health and economic activities in the region.
“…We’re lacking behind because of the pockets of violence in this area, as a result, when you demand for development from the government for your people, the response is that there is peace, therefore no money for development. So we must ensure absolute restraint and tolerate each other for peaceful coexistence” he admonished.
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) board member said violence is not an option in any disagreement and thereby encouraged the people to take solace in the Dagbon peace process and embrace peace and tranquility.
Meanwhile, there has been some relative peace in the Bimbila municipality in recent times and life is taking a good shape as the people conduct their normal economic activities without impediment.
The UN sustainable development goal 16 enjoins member states to ensure peace and strong justice institutions by 2030.
