Abu Jinapor asked to back off Damongo Chieftaincy matters

The Damongo traditional council has issued a stern warning to the Member of Parliament for the Damongo constituency who also doubles as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Jinapor.

The council demands that he immediately stop disrespecting the affirmed Damongowura, Kelly Seidu Boresa I, as the council unequivocally recognizes him as the rightful chief of Damongo.

The council emphasized that failure to comply would result in severe consequences.

Expressing deep concern, the traditional council condemned the ongoing interference, disrespect, and flouting of the customs and traditions of the Gonja kingdom by Members of Parliament in the area. The council warned that such behaviour rapidly exacerbates tensions in the Damongo constituency.

According to the Traditional Council, the Damongo chieftaincy dispute between the late Damongowura Lermu Jakpa in 2016 and Kelly Seidu Boresa I was resolved according to the customs and traditions of the Gonja Kingdom under the current directive of the Yagbonwura BII-Kunuto Jewu Soale I.

After extensive consultations with the kingmakers of the Damongo traditional council, Damongowura Kelly Seidu Boresa I was affirmed as the legitimate Damongowura on November 24, 2023, and officially installed.

During a press briefing in Damongo, the council alleged that the Member of Parliament (MP) of Damongo, Abu Jinapor, has refused to recognize the decision of the overlord of the Gonja kingdom and his elders in affirming Seidu Braimah Kelly as Damongowura. They described the MP’s actions as disrespectful, as he continuously supported the opposing faction within the chieftaincy gates in the Damongo constituency.

The Council spokesperson Saa Wura Abukari Jaga, revealed that recent security tensions led to the arrest of some suspects within the constituency. However, the MP, Abu Jinapor, subsequently ordered the release of the suspects from police custody in Tamale.

The suspects later paraded on the streets of Damongo in jubilation and rained insults at the overlord of the Gonja Kingdom. They described the minister’s action as undermining the peace and security of Damongo and the authorities of the Yagbonwura BII-Kunuto Jewu Soale I.

“It is disheartening to witness the interference of an elected representative in matters that should be handled within our traditional frameworks. The actions of the Member of Parliament for Damongo have caused widespread discontent and disaffection among the people. This issue must be addressed promptly and appropriately,” Saa Wura said.

“However, should the Member of Parliament continue to ignore this call by the Damongowura and his sub-chiefs, we can assure him that our community will, within a month, have no choice but to organize a massive demonstration to express our discontent,” Saa wura Abukari warned.

Additionally, they have vehemently threatened to terminate the political careers of the MPs if he continues to disregard and disrespect Damongowura.