Politicians, media are escalating Dagbon problem - Boniface

Tamale, Feb. 22, GNA - Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, Northern Regional Minister on Wednesday said politicians and the media held the key to establishing the truth and lasting peace in Dagbon. However, some members of this group are escalating the problem in Dagbon, making it very difficult for government and other peace-seeking advocates to find a lasting solution to the Dagbon problem Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Tamale, Alhaji Boniface said whatever the media comes out with is accepted as the truth to some people in Dagbon.

"The same thing with the politician, who mounts the platform, appears on television and refuse to tell the world the truth about his own people".

The Regional Minister cited recent enskinment of a regent at Gushiegu and said some politicians and media personnel misreported the situation, which nearly resulted in violence.

"As politicians, we have to be accountable to our people, tell them the truth, preach peace to them and seek their welfare and ensure that they live in harmony to develop their communities.

"Anything short of this means we are doing our people more harm than good and posterity will not forgive us," he said.

Alhaji Boniface said the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) had no hand in the enskinment of a chief or a regent, either in Gushiegu or any part of Dagbon, adding that the Council would continue to provide security for any group, individuals or community when necessary.

He said there were positive underground developments about the burial of the late Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II but "anytime the media or politicians comment negatively about Dagbon, then the efforts are thwarted".

"No one can rewrite the history of Dagbon, not even President Kufuor. It is only the traditional people and the true citizens of Dagbon who can maintain their history and traditional values.

"It is therefore proper for politicians and the media to leave Dagbon alone, at least for once to solve their own problems," he added. The Minister said his doors remained open to the Media 24 hours everyday for them to seek information or clarification on pertinent issues of national interest before they publish their stories. "I think cross-checking your stories before publishing them would promote peace and unity and also give more credibility to your media organisations".

He appealed to politicians and the media to be pragmatic, sincere and honest to the people of Dagbon to ensure lasting peace in the area. 22 Feb. 06