President Kufuor must visit Dagbon - Minority

The Minority in Parliament has criticised Ghana’s president, John Kufuor for not visiting the Dagbon Traditional Area since the assassination of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II.

Minority Chief Whip, Doe Adjaho, told the House; "since March, the President and his Vice have not gone to the conflict area. We are not happy. He should put it on his agenda". The minority expressed the concern during the considering a request made by government for the extension of the state of emergency in the Dagbon Traditional area for another month.

Government first imposed a state of emergency on the Dagbon Traditional Area in March following clashes between the Andani and Abudu Royal Gates to the Ya-Na Skin that led to the death of Ya-Na Andani and many others. Majority Leader, Papa Owusu-Ankoma, said President Kufuor is given a daily briefing on the security situation in the area adding that he would make a public statement on the crises at the appropriate time. "Sometimes it is better not to do something that would unwittingly worsen the situation."

Earlier, Alhaji Mohamed Mumuni, NDC-Kumbungu, accused the security personnel in the area of molesting the people. "I and other MPs from the area have reports of brutalities and inhuman treatment. There are allegations of extortion and molestation of drivers."

He mentioned one Fatao Alhassan, who was arrested and detained, but was never published as demanded by law. The member said particulars of victims have been sent to the Ministry of the Interior for investigations. He accordingly asked government to reduce the curfew hours from 2100 hours to 0500 hours to 2200 hours to 0500 hours.

Alhaji Mumuni said market women and farmers, who travelled far distances to work, found the present arrangement very uncomfortable. "We believe that if this request is granted the people would appreciate the fact that somebody is appreciative of the sacrifices they are making to bring about peace in the area."