James Town Resolves Stool Dispute
AFTER decades of a protracted chieftaincy dispute in James Town, Accra, dividing the beach community on royal clan fragments, there now appears high hopes for a peaceful settlement based on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee which brokered a deal between the feuding factions.
Residents of the old settlement, which is referred to as ‘British Accra’ are now waiting for the implementation of the peace plan, which would bring them together to forge a common front for development and the opening of opportunities for their youth.
The Truth and Reconciliation Committee, which was chaired by Nii Tetteh Ashong II, Ga Seitse (Stool Owner) and had the Reverend Cannon Hansen Addy and the Reverend Aflah Sackey as members, emphasised the need for peace among the feuding factions.
In a ruling delivered at the Ga Mantse Palace last week, the Committee entreated the feuding factions to resolve the matter peacefully with the involvement of all stakeholders.
It also urged them to renounce a destoolment procedures instituted by the Adanse Mantse, Nii Sackey Akomia VI, and his kingmakers against Nii Kojo Ababio V, James Town Alata Ngleshie Mantse. Nii Kojo Ababio V, who initiated the move for the peaceful settlement, culminating in the setting up of the committee, was also asked to 'restore all kingmakers and others having capacity in the chieftaincy matters in the dynasty.
The Committee lauded the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III, for having the foresight to initiate the reconciliation.
It recommended that its ruling should be 'honoured by both the dislodged and the incumbent sides for the immediate implementation by Nii Kojo Ababio V, to bring about a peaceful and harmonious settlement of issues.
The verdict was received by both sides with applause, as they smiled, hugged and exchanged pleasantries before departing the Ga Mantse Palace.
Commenting on the ruling, Nii Sackey Akomia, chief of Adanse and head of Wetse Kojo ruling house, praised Nii Tackie Tawiah III for succeeding in putting them on the path to peace.
He equated the judgment to that of the late former Chief Justice Nii Armah Ollenu, whose landmark ruling in 1967 forestalled a similar situation, a decision, which led to peace and tranquility in the Ga State.
The chief said the attainment of a peaceful society must be the primary objective of every leader, so he and his kingmakers would abide by the recommendations of the committee in order to unite the people and mobilise them to undertake positive endeavours.