Our Traditional Leaders Let There Be Peace -CJD

CITIZENS FOR JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY (CJD)

We wish to express unreservedly our compunction and disaffection about the unhealthy development between the Asantehene and the Techemanhene. CJD is extremely dazed by the objectionable utterances of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. It is our considered opinion that the Asantehene’s pronouncement smacks of ethnitism, ethno-centrism and has the propensity of fueling the already volatile situation in the two regions. His statement in our humble view is most unfortunate and extremely disingenuous. We are equally appalled at the countless attempts by spokespersons of the Techimanhene , Nana Akumfi Ameyaw to justify his unprofessional conduct. It is not in our place to meddle in chieftaincy affairs but to the extent that the actions or otherwise of the chief sand kings of our land can yield national consequences, it becomes a major national concern for all concerned citizens of this country. Ghana is a republic and not a monarchy, to this extent, no chief or king has the right to take the law into his own hands. The alleged abduction and kidnapping of the Tuobodomhene is a dishonorable treachery, highly misplaced and a shame to our current political dispensation. It is our firm conviction that the Tachimanhene could have been a bit decorous and used a more civilized approach to seek redress, if there is any.

The Citizens for Justice and Democracy is expressing this view mindful of the full knowledge of all the pockets of chieftaincy debacles which to some extent have not been resolved and continue to be a source of worry to Ghanaians. For that matter we will make no attempt to delve into the details of the entanglement. Currently we are witnessing what could best be described as a quid pro quo between the Asantehene and Tachimanhene and a semblance of that fracas in Accra between King Tackie Tawih III and the Ga paramount stool, Jaase (King Makers). CJD is of the opinion that these actions and counter-actions could be recipes for disaster if not nibbed in the bud. We as citizens are apprehensive for one reason, thus if two elephants engage in a fight it is the grass that suffers.

Article 276(1) of the 1992 constitution has unambiguously defined the barriers of political activism for chiefs. The political orientation of chiefs has the strongest possibility of inevitably influencing the direction of his followers, hence, they must always act with extreme caution. We are alarmed by the fact that there are pockets of flashpoints and if what is happening in Tuobodom is to perpetuate it will not be long before our dear nation becomes ungovernable and never see the end of chieftaincy disputes and conflicts. CJD wishes to remind all Ghanaians that incessant flagrant disregard to the rule of law in conflict prone areas like Bawku, Dagbon, Bunkpurugu and most recently Tuobodom is fast gaining notoriety and must not be allowed to continue unabated. We must all learn from the lesson of our own history to guard against the acceleration of these volatile developments.

Article 273 of the 1992 constitution empowers the state to establish a National House of Chiefs which shall have appellate jurisdiction in any cause or matter affecting chieftaincy. The Citizens for Justice and Democracy wishes to call upon the leadership of the National House of Chiefs to intervene and broker truce so that we can have the fullest assurance of peace and total tranquility in our communities. Most importantly, we wish to remind the state security apparatus not to be lenient on any one found culpable of this dastardly act be it a chief, king or his subjects.

Long Live Ghana!!!

Long Live our Democracy!!!

Long Live CJD!!!

Spokesperson Ali Dawud 0243155409