Opposing factions in Dagbon should seek peace - Youth

The Dagbon Youth for Peace (DAYOP), an organization with members from both the Abudu and Andani Gates in Dagbon, has called for unity among Dagombas, especially between the "brotherly" groups of the two Andani and Abudu gates.

"We have chosen this period of Ramadan to make this appeal to our brothers who are beating the drums of war since it is not in their interest as Abudus or Andanis or in their collective interest as Dagombas. Neither is it in our national interest as Ghanaians," Mr Ibrahim Jabir Suhuyini, the Andani representative of the organization, said during a press briefing on Thursday in Accra.

He urged Dagombas, especially those of Islamic faith, to use the holy month of Ramadan to preach and practice the need for healing, peace and unity in Dagbon in particular and Ghana as a whole.

Mr Suhuyini said the people of Dagbon wanted to live in peace adding, "We are from the same stock and want to stay as such, in spite of the unfortunate tragedy in Yendi in March which led to the death of Ya Na and many others."

Mr Alidu Bawa of the Abudu Gate said DAYOP had faith in the government's ability to implement the recommendations made by the Wuaku Commission, which was tasked to investigate the conflict.

"Justice is what we need in Dagbon, Ghana and the world at large if we are to live as brothers and sisters," he said.

Mr Bawa said coming from a region in need of schools, good drinking water, hospitals and several other modern amenities, the opposing factions had to realize that money being spent on peacekeeping in the region which runs into billions of cedis, could have been used in development projects.

"It is unfortunate that while we in the Northern Region continue to complain about under-development, we, especially those in the south are ourselves frustrating development in our region by inciting violence and conflict," he noted.

He said DAYOP would ensure that nobody used the tragedy of 27 March in Yendi to plunge Dagbon into further backwardness. Mr Karim Naatogmah, Spokesperson of the DAYOP, described as unfortunate, attempts by some people to politicize the crisis.

He said although the crisis is unfortunate the Andani and Abudu Gates were not enemies. Mr Naatogmah said the crisis did not only concern Yendi but could spread to other parts of the country because Dagombas live all over the country.

He therefore, urged the public not to perceive the situation as only involving Yendi and urged members of the public to desist from making statements which could inflame passions in the region.

The organization, which is based in Dagbon and was formed about nine years ago, was re-activated recently to foster peace between the Andani and Abudu Gates of the Dagbon stool.

A chieftaincy dispute between the Andani and Abudu Gates led to violent clashes, which ended in the death of the Ya Na Yakubu Andani II and about 40 others last March