Dagbon crisis: Akufo-Addo meets Otumfuo Mediation Committee

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to meet the Otumfuo Mediation Committee handling the Dagbon crisis today, November 21 at the Jubilee House.

The Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will this afternoon present a roadmap for lasting peace to Dagbon in the Northern Region following a prolonged chieftaincy dispute.

Addressing the media at a press briefing, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the committee will present their findings to the president as to how they intend to restore calm to Dagbon after 16 years of conflict.

According to him, the Akufo-Addo-led government has reiterated its commitment in finding a lasting solution to the dispute by not taking sides, hence providing the necessary resources and support to facilitate the mediation process for a peaceful resolution of the matter.

“Upon assuming office, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the commitment of the Government of Ghana to supporting a peaceful resolution of the matter. The president also reiterated the common resolve shared by his predecessors in supporting a peaceful resolution and committed that while supporting the process; he will not take sides but remain keen on seeing this matter ended so that Dagbon can move forward peacefully”, he said.

The Government of Ghana has continued to provide the necessary support and facilitation to the mediation process and has now been informed by the committee of eminent chiefs that a roadmap has been arrived at which should lead to an eventual peaceful resolution of the matter.

He further stated that government will need the support of both sides in handling the long-standing dispute between the Abudu and Andani royal families since results can only be achieved collectively.

“We will look forward to the leadership of both sides signing up to the roadmap and also encourage their followers of both sides to join hands so that we can move forward with this roadmap’’.

Representatives of the Abudu and Andani royals led by the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Sae-eed, have already arrived in Accra for the meeting.



Background

The Dagbon crisis has persisted for the past 16 years and has cost both Dagbon and Ghana immensely.

Former President Kufuor in 2006 established the committee of eminent chiefs and tasked them to lead mediation efforts between the parties with the view to finding a peaceful resolution to the matter.

The committee comprises the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II, the Nayiri-Mahamid Sheriga and the Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa the first. The differences between the parties have continued since the Kufour, Mills and Mahama eras.

The Committee of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene resolved recently that the Abudu and Andani royal families should perform the funeral rites of the late Ya Na Mahamadu Abdulai IV from 14 December 2018 to 28 December 2018; and the funeral rites of the late Ya Na Yakubu Andani II from 4 January 2019 to 14 January 2019.

The two funerals are to be performed in the old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. Rehabilitation of the Old Gbewaa Palace is to begin with immediate effect.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Sae-ed, on Thursday, November 15, led chiefs from both sides of the chieftaincy divide in Dagbon to the final meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The latest decision is in line with the current government’s resolve to permanently resolve the age-long Dagbon chieftaincy impasse.

However, family of the late Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani at press conference on November 20 in Tamale angrily rejected the final decision by the Asantehene-led committee of Eminent Kings mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, to allow the Abudu royal family to occupy the old Gbewaa Palace at Yendi for the performance of the funeral rites of Naa Mahamadu Abdulai.