Positive steps towards peace in Dagbon

The security situation in the Dagbon State since the murder of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II in March 2002 has been a matter of concern beyond the corridors of Dagbon.

News of the gruesome murder sent shock waves across the entire country, resulting in the setting up of the Wuaku Commission and the trial of the alleged suspects, although as of now nobody has been dealt with for the heinous crime.

The authorities did not limit their search for solutions to the crisis to the legal sphere but efforts were made to seek the political option to the resolution of the conflict.

That culminated in the appointment of three eminent chiefs, led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to mediate in the conflict.

It is unfortunate that despite the relative peace in the Dagbon State, the least disagreement between the two gates — Abudu and Andani — is hyped as a big security concern, putting the entire country on alert.

For more than a decade now, the celebration of the Damba Festival has been the source of conflict between the two gates, and since the murder of the Ya-Na the two gates have never celebrated the festival together.

It was, therefore, refreshing that at the beginning of this month the people of Dagbon celebrated the festival in a very memorable fashion.

On that occasion, the Andani and the Abudu royal families came together in the spirit of unity to commemorate the time-tested event at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

There are reports that the President has initiated quiet diplomacy to bring a foreclosure to the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute and the celebration of the Damba Festival this year in a memorable style can be attributed to President Mahama’s peace initiatives.

The Daily Graphic wishes the eminent chiefs and all others involved in the peace process a fruitful assignment, hoping that they will, in the not-too-distant future, bring lasting peace to Dagbon.

Dagbon is one of the very strategic areas in the country’s development process and the Overlord of Dagbon has always been held in very high esteem.

Besides, Yendi is a major commercial town that provides opportunities for residents and others from far and near to earn a living.

We appeal to both factions in the dispute to bury the hatchet now to save the millions of cedis committed to the peace process. The resources for peace-keeping can be used to improve the standard of living of the people.

The Daily Graphic urges the President never to relent in his efforts at restoring Dagbon to its glorious days.