Commit to peace roadmap – Government to Abudus, Andanis

The government of Ghana has pleaded with the Abudu and Andani royal families to sign and abide by a roadmap developed by a group of eminent chiefs led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II towards realizing lasting peace in Dagbon in the Northern Region.

“It is our solemn expectation that the leadership of both sides will sign up to the roadmap as acceptable and our further expectation that the leadership of both sides will help in spreading the word to their various sides so that implementing the roadmap is smoothened for Dagbon to move forward”, Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said at a press briefing on Wednesday, 21 November 2018.

The eminent chiefs leading the mediation talks in the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy dispute will, at midday on Wednesday, present the roadmap to President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.

The Dagbon crisis has persisted for the past 16 years and has cost both the area and Ghana immensely in terms of security, development and resources.

President John Kufuor in 2006 established the committee of eminent chiefs and tasked them to lead mediation efforts between the two royal families with the view to finding a peaceful resolution to the matter. Chaired by the Asantehene, the other members include the Nayiri, Mahamid Sheriga and the Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa I.

The differences between the parties have continued since the Kufuor, Mills and Mahama eras. Upon assuming office, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the commitment of the government to supporting a peaceful resolution of the matter.

The president also reiterated the common resolve shared by his predecessors in supporting a peaceful resolution and committed that while supporting the process, he will not take sides but is keen on seeing this matter end, so Dagbon can move forward peacefully.

“The government of Ghana has continued to provide the necessary support and facilitation to the mediation process and has now been informed by the committee of eminent chiefs that a roadmap has been arrived at, which should lead to an eventual peaceful resolution of the matter,” Mr Nkrumah added.

He assured that the government will put its resources and support at the disposal of the roadmap and ensure that all stakeholders join the people of Dagbon in finding a lasting solution to the impasse.