Regional Minister distances himself from Anlo chieftaincy dispute

Ho, July 25, GNA- Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister on Friday said he was not siding with any faction in the Anlo chieftaincy dispute, since his mandate as minister bars him from meddling in chieftaincy issues.

The regional minister made this known at a press conference in Ho in reaction to a mob action at Anloga, after a meeting with a group of Anlo chiefs on Wednesday, July 22.

Mr Amenowode said the meeting was only one of the several courtesy calls on him by groups and individuals to formally receive him as minister and discuss the development needs of the region. He said the meeting did not suggest either by word or action about any agreement that claimed the right of Napoleon Agboada, also known as Togbe Sri III to the Awomefia stool of the Anlos. The Anlo delegation said to be representing the Anlo Traditional Council came to pay a courtesy call and also followed it up with letters that requested a meeting with President John Evans Atta Mills. He said the delegation made a number of propositions, which include the involvement of the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) in dealing with Anlo lands.

The Minister said the delegation comprised Togbui Duklui Attipoe, who introduced himself as the spokesman, Togbui Gamor, Togbui Klongo, Mr Atsu Agboada and Mr Albert Quarshie Sadika who was introduced as Stool Father.

Mr Amenowode said he was at the meeting with Colonel Cyril Necku, Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Vincent K Adzato-Ntem, Regional Co-ordinating Director and some personnel of the VRCC. He said the delegation claimed that the Adzovia clan had installed a chief and had duly introduced him to the Anlo Traditional Council, the Regional House of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs. He said another claim was that the newly installed Awomefia: "Had the capacity and claim to the Awomefia stool and any other person or group laying claim to the stool should be able to demonstrate beyond any reasonable doubt that he also had the right to the stool by providing the appropriate documents and evidence."

The Minister said his response was that the Constitution did not empower him to meddle in chieftaincy affairs and that "he would only deal with chiefs who were installed according to the Chieftaincy Act". Mr Amemowode therefore warned "people who would want to use the goodwill of the VRCC. to cause mischief or promote their personal agenda to desist forthwith".

He appealed to the "citizens and residents of Anlo to be calm and seek explanations for any issues with the Keta Municipal Assembly and the VRCC."

Mr Amenowode also appealed to the media to be circumspect when reporting on volatile situations.

The regional minister called on the security agencies to be on the alert to maintain peace and order in the Anlo area. A media house in Accra, which purportedly carried an interview with Togbe Attipoe to the effect that his clan was getting ready to formally introduce Togbe Sri to the people of Anlo as the Awomefia sparked the mob action by a session of the youth.

Mr Edward Akrofi-Oyirisi, Keta Divisional Police Commander told the Ghana News Agency that at about 1630 on Thursday, July 23, a mob of about 200 people vandalized and burned down Togbe Sri's residence at Anloga.

He said one person who sustained injuries was admitted in hospital but no arrests had been made so far. The police are patrolling the town. 25 July 09