Politicians asked to give peace a chance in Dagbon

Accra, April 16, GNA- Yikpan-Dana Alhaji Basit Abdulai Fuseini, a traditional ruler in Tamale and a retired diplomat, on Friday called on politicians to set the agenda for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis in the supreme interest of the country. He said the conflict between Abudus and Andanis is ruining the progress and stability of the Dagbon Traditional Area. There is therefore, the need for leaders who would adopt a nationalistic, matured and non-partisan approach to the conflict.

Yikpan-Dana Fuseini, who is also a politician and a retired educationist, was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra on Friday.

"Ghana needs now, than ever before, leaders with the vision for a strong and united Ghana to initiate prudent measures that can re-unite all feuding Dagombas."

He said partisan, divisive and provocative pronouncements by some politicians on the conflict are of grave concern to people who wanted to enjoy lasting peace in Dagbon.

"The former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was on record to have called for a non-partisan approach to the age-long conflict. "This advice is still relevant today and I call on all political parties to abide by it."

Yikpan-Dana Fuseini said the Mole-Dagomba group, is one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana and stand the greatest chance of improving upon their political, social and economic fortunes by forging unity.

"We Dagombas have a rich culture and tradition that could be tapped for the tourist market. We are also the country's bread basket and yet there is widespread poverty and deprivation everywhere in Dagbon", he said.

Yikpan-Dana Fuseini warned that great empires like Guinea, Ghana and Songhai were ruined by numerous conflicts and disunity and "Dagbon must take a clue from history".

He said it is in the best interest of the traditional area to initiate moves that would end the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and ignorance that have been the bane of the people for a number of years. He cautioned the media not to compromise their role to educate and inform the public about the Dagbon situation by peddling lies and unsubstantiated accusations against each other.

Yikpan-Dana Fuseini commended the government and all stakeholders in the conflict for the able manner they have managed the process of peace and reconciliation.

He called on the disputing parties to appreciate the efforts by giving peace a chance.