Andani family calls for reconvening of Eminent Chiefs

Tamale, May 21, GNA - The Andani Royal Family has appealed to the Committee of Eminent Chiefs on the Dagbon crisis to reconvene and deal with the remaining traditional aspects of the Dagbon chieftaincy problem. A statement the family issued on Wednesday appealed to President John Atta Mills to institute fresh investigations into the carnage in Yendi in 2002 and to prosecute those who were involved in the murder of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and some of his elders. Mr. Alhassan Alhassan and Mr. Mamaha Andani, Vice chairman and vice secretary respectively of the Andani family signed the statement. The statement said the reconvening of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs was necessary because it would address the issues that remain outstanding.

The Andani Family's call for the reconvening of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to complete the roadmap to peace came out of recent uproar by the Abudu family about the renovation of the old Gbewaa place, which according to them contravenes the roadmap to peace process. The statement described the Abudu Family's complaints as mischievous and a gimmick intended to divert attention from the heinous crimes they committed, which led to the present mess in the Dagbon Kingdom.

The Andani family explained the circumstances and processes that were followed before the renovation of parts of the palace and advised them not to misinform the public on Dagbon issues since the practice kept reminding the Andanis of the heinous murder of their King, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II and some of his elders.

The statement said, "Being victims of the heinous crimes perpetrated by members of the Abudu Family and their supporters in which Ya-Na Yakubu II and other members of our family were murdered, we are alert to our duty to let discerning Ghanaians know the truth arising from the murders."

The statement also described as misplaced a call by the Abudus for the removal of Mr. Stephen Sumani Nayina, Northern Regional Minister, saying, "The call is not only immoral but lacks merit by any standards." It said the Abudus's call for the dismissal of the minister was based on grounds that the minister's neutrality could not be trusted in handling the Dagbon Chieftaincy issue since he failed to visit the Bolin-Lana when he visited Yendi. The statement said Dagbon was united and peaceful until the unfortunate turn of events in February 2002.