Don’t go to the Northern region – US warns citizens

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has issued a security alert to Americans living in the country to avoid going to the Northern region as the Dagbon kingdom prepares for the funerals of two former chiefs.

The alert anticipate a possible violence erupting after a faction in the age-old Dagbon conflicts vehemently kicked against the funeral ceremony of one of the chiefs.

The Gbewa Palace which is the seat of Dagbon Chiefs has been the bone of contention between the Abudu and Andani royal gates of Dagbon with the Abudus defending their right to access the Palace and the Andanis vehemently refusing to allow their brothers access to the palace to perform the funeral of the late Mahamadu Abdulai, whom they claimed did not die as a chief.

The committee after sitting for about 12 years concluded that Mahamadu Abdulai funeral should be held at the palace.

“Beginning on December 14, 2018, groups in Tamale, Yendi, and surrounding villages will hold funerals for their respective former chieftains. Extreme violence is likely and there are inadequate medical resources in the region,” the statement posted on the Embassy’s website on December 10 read.

With the exception of persons on “mission-essential”, it warned all America citizens to stay out of the region particularly Tamale and Yendi until the issue is resolved.

“Our ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas is extremely limited,” he cautioned, stressing, “Avoid travel to or through the Northern Region, especially the surrounding areas from Tamale and Yendi”.

America citizens have also been advised to keep a low profile; avoid crowds and demonstrations; monitor local media for updates; have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance; remain aware of their surroundings; and review their personal security plans.

Meanwhile President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has admonished factions in the Dagbon chieftaincy conflict to respect the road map to lasting peace in the area.

Per the road map, the funeral of Naa Mahamadu Abdulai would be held from 14th of December to the 28th of December this year, after a one week respite, there would be another from the 4th to 18th of January then the Andani family will also perform theirs.