The King and Overlord of Gonja Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) has appealed to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Hon Stephen Asamoah Boateng and government to their voice to the unending Chieftaincy conflict between Gonjas and Mamprusis at Lukula in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region because people of Gonja and Mamprugu need peace.
The Yagbonwura made this call when the Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng paid a working visit to the Palace of the Yagbonwura on Friday 16th February, 2024.
A speech read on behalf of Yagbonwura by the Registrar of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs said; “I Yagbonwura King and Overlord of Gonja) and my brother Nayiri of Mamprugu need peace at Lukula in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region with its capital at Daboya”.
The Yagbonwura added; “the frequent and sporadic Chieftaincy attacks will not only stir the peace of the area and uncontrollable destruction, it is a likely breeding grounds for violent extremism and a vulnerable space for all manner of insecurity issues to ensue”.
The Kimg and Overlord of Gonja called on government machinery intervention is highly profiled in this matter.
The Overlord of Gonja said; “My son I’m calling on you with the greatest of concern for effective collaboration with key stakeholders to find lasting solution to the Lukula conflict because the people of Gonja and Mamprugu need peace”.
The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Hon Asamoah Boateng on his part thanked the Yagbonwura, the Chiefs and elders of the Gonja Kingdom for the kind reception given him.
He told the Yagbonwura that he has been a son of the Kingdom since the days of former President John Agyekum Kufour.
He commended the Yagbonwura for the peace he has brought to the Gonja Kingdom and beyond through the collaboration with other Kingdoms especially with the Nayiri of Mamprugu towards maintaining peace in Lukula which he saw as a step in the right direction.
He said the government cannot solve all the problems especially the traditional ones which he is much sure with more powers given to chiefs in the amendment of the chieftaincy act, most of the related to Chieftaincy institution in the country would be resolved.
There has been sporadic clashes between Gonjas and Mamprusis at Lukula and surrounding communities in the North Gonja District as a result of chieftaincy and land boundary disputes.
On Monday 12th February, 2024 a fresh assault on the Mempeasem community near Lukula in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region by Mamprusis resulted in the burning down of houses and destruction of properties especially farm produce.
Reports say incident was a retaliation for last years assault by Gonjas on Mamprusis during which numerous properties were damaged, prompting Mamprusi residents to abandon the community.
The recent attack has compelled the Gonja Chief and his supporters to once again vacate the community out of fear for their safety but it is feared that Gonjas will also once again retaliate.
Source: nkilgifmonline.com
