Kufuor meets Yendi crisis mediation team

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday said the crisis in the Dagbon State emanated from the customs and traditions of the people. He, therefore, appealed to the three-member mediation team made up of prominent chiefs in the country to use their wisdom and influence to find lasting solution to the crisis.

President Kufuor at two separate meetings with the Nayiri Gamni Muhammadu, Paramount Chief of the Mamprugu Traditional Area and the Yagbon-Wura Bawa Doshie II, Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, both of the Northern Region, at the Castle, Osu said; "it is necessary the crises in the Dagbon state are quickly arrested for peace and harmony to be restored.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, the third member of the team, is expected in Accra on Thursday, April 4. "The crisis is vested in the customs and traditions of the people, and to make a headway, we should invite the prominent chiefs to use their wisdom and influence to find a lasting solution to the crisis," he said. He reiterated the government's commitment to peace and stability in all parts of the country.

President Kufuor said although the government came into power through partisan politics, government's sense of responsibility would not make room for everything to be dealt with by partisan politics, but efforts would be made to instil stability in the country.

He said he was optimistic that the outcome of the Mediation Team deliberations would enhance the credibility of the government. Nayiri Gamni Muhammadu said despite his age, he felt he was duty bound to contribute to find a lasting solution to the Dagbon crisis.

The events that occurred at Yendi were unprecedented in the history of the area, he said, adding; "through oral history, there has not been any similar incident in the past, that is why my mission to Accra has become necessary."

The Nayiri thanked the government for the due recognition given to him to participate in the mediation of the Dagbon crisis. "As prominent chiefs in the country and custodians of our customs and traditions, I hope our decisions would make an impact to find a lasting solution to the Dagbon crisis."

The Yagbon-Wura recounted the Northern Region conflict between the Kokombas and the Nanumbas during which up to date the culprits or the perpetrators had not been found and prosecuted.

He said had the perpetrators been found and punished the Dagbon crisis could have been averted. The Yagbon-Wura, therefore, appealed to the government to ensure that the culprits in the Dagbon crisis were brought to book. He pledged to contribute to find a lasting solution to the crisis. The President also met the Andani and Abudu gates behind closed doors.