Dagbon conflict EMINENT CHIEFS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT…to continue with mediation process
THE COMMITTEE of Eminent Chiefs, chaired by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has received the signal to continue with the mediation process of the Dagbon conflict, which was suspended during the transitional process.
The Committee, which was constituted in 2002 to find a lasting solution to the Dagbon conflict between the Abudus and Andanis, was suspended during the 2008 elections.
The Vice President, Mr. John Mahama, who was given a briefing of the Committee's work so far, during a closed door meeting with the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Thursday, said he was fully encouraged with the efforts and progress so far made on the road map to peace in Dagbon.
The Veep, acting on the orders of the President, has accordingly directed the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to continue with its good work.
He told journalists, shortly after the meeting with the Asantehene, that the Committee had given the assurance to continue with the mediation process in August this year.
Mr. Mahama gave assurance of the government's support to enable the Committee resolve the conflict conclusively.
He indicated hat the government's main concern was security and safety, for a peaceful atmosphere to prevail and not to interfere in the mediating process.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu had earlier cautioned against any interference from politicians, and advised them (politicians) to stay clear of the Dagbon conflict, in order to allow the eminent chiefs resolve the dispute, taking into consideration the traditional and cultural values of the people involved, much as it (Committee) would not interfere with the handling of the criminal aspects of the issues at stake by the government.
He reported that the Committee had made headway, and attributed the breakthrough to the understanding and co-operation of the factions. The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Cletus Avoka, commended the Committee of Eminent Chiefs for the significant breakthrough, noting that the two factions, which hitherto had taken entrenched positions and were at each others' throats, and could not see eye to eye, were dialoguing and sitting under one roof, making healthy concessions.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Henry Smith, Minister of Defence, who accompanied the Veep to the Manhyia Palace, called on Ghanaians to be grateful to the Eminent Chiefs for a great job done, and hoped that their efforts would come to a fruitful conclusion.
He reiterated the government's support for the Committee to ensure that peace prevailed for development.
Professor Kofi Agyekum of the Department of Linguistics of the University of Ghana, Legon, and Member of the National Peace Council, cautioned the media to be circumspect with their reportage, in order not to inflame passions among the feuding factions.