Respect Our Paramountcy

We the concern citizens of Tatale wish through this press release to condemn unequivocally the misconduct by a group of self-directed individuals who do not see the benefit of collective effort and cordial relationship among all the ethnic groups.

We urge all, through this release to appreciate the fact that Bassari or any other ethnic member of our believed District may at the decision of the President, contribute to advance development in our district. We have heard with utter dismay and disapproval the attack on the paramountcy yesterday by irate youth allegedly from among NPP supporters, on rumours that Konkomba candidate is being considered for the position of District Chief Eexcutive (DCE) in consultation with the Paramount Chief.

The district is christened Tatale/ Sanguli because of the integrated nature of our people, which means that all brothers and sisters can be called to support our shared desire for progress and development, and in any capacity possible. Let’s celebrate our rich cultural diversity, and encourage each and every citizen to contribute to develop the District, irrespective of which ethnic group they belong. All citizens of the District irrespective of their ethnicity have equal rights to serve the district in any capacity, including in political positions their abilities and energies will allow them.

The prerogative to appoint a DCE lies in the bosom of his Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana in consultation with all relevant stakeholders including the traditional authorities. We are therefore calling for peace and order, so vital for development of our communities. We share in the common desire for accelerated development of the district and will encourage all to give the appointing authorities the peace and calm for a good decision on who will bext serve our community as the District Chief Executive.

There is no reason at all, for the attack on the Paramount chief including the destruction of his property, as we saw on TV yesterday 19^th January 2017. Together as a people, we are ashamed of this attack on our honour.

This is an attack on the traditional area by our own people and we cannot be proud of this. We believe that all meaning Bassari people do not support the unwarranted attack on the Paramount Chief of Bassari Traditional Area OBOURI GARIBA YANKOSOH.

We are calling on the Inspector General of Police to beef up security in the area and seek amicable redress involving all stakeholders in this matter. We appreciate the cordial relationship we have with all the ethnic groups knowing that our collective effort is critical for sustained development and wellbeing of all our people. Each and every one of us in our communities and the District, notwithstanding our different political sympathies and ethnicity have a shared responsibility to maintain and promote peace and development.

For our brothers and sisters agitated by the unfortunate developments, we urge and plead you to remain calm and peaceful. We are confident the state agencies, including the police are alerted by the developments and will play their roles to prevent further escalation. Thank you and Long live Tatale/Sanguli district.

Stephen Konde (convener-0203559700/0265583417)

And Others