State of Emergency in Dagbon extended

Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution to extend the State of Emergency in the Dagbon Traditional Area of Northern Region for a further period of one month commencing, 16 November to 15 December. All the 122 members present voted in favour of the resolution.

This is the seventh time that Parliament has approved the extension of the state of emergency since its proclamation on 27 March following the clash between the Andani and Abudu Royal families of the Dagbon Traditional Area.

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of Defence and Acting Minister of the Interior, who moved the motion for the resolution, said the facts and circumstances giving rise to the declaration of the State of Emergency still persist in the area.

He said mistrust and suspicion among both Andani and Abudu gates persist and that they are suspected to be to be heavily armed, hence the need for security vigilance. He said government was studying the Wuako Commission's report for appropriate action to be taken.

"Whilst waiting for government to issue a white paper on the report, it is important to maintain the State of Emergency to offer security agencies the flexibility to retain the initiative and to be able to deal effectively with any disturbances of peace."

Dr Addo-Kufuor said the curfew in the area has been amended from 10pm - 4am to 10-3am. "This was to allow believers (Muslims) enough time to prepare for their early morning prayers at 4am. This relaxation of the curfew period is for the duration of the Ramadan only."

He said the security personnel have stepped up their mobile patrols to ensure that peace is not disturbed during the period. "In the event of the release of the government white paper on the Wauku Commission report, there would be the need for reinforcement on the strength of the security personnel in the area..."

He said government is completely neutral in this conflict and would do everything within its powers to study and implement recommendations in the Wuaku Commission's Report and the mediation efforts of other personalities. Dr Addo-Kufuor said, "it is important that leaders of the people of Dagbon do not bequeath a legacy of hatred to the present and future generations."

He said government was ready to support them in the reconciliation effort, development and peace. The Acting Minister praised the media for its positive and restrained role over the last month