Ministry calls for peaceful resolution of Nkoranza chieftaincy dispute

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture on Thursday expressed concern about a chieftaincy dispute between the Nkoranzahene and Yagbunwura at Kpator in the Nkoranza Traditional area and urged restraint in the resolution of the problem.

"It must be made clear to all that resort to arms or violence as a means of resolving chieftaincy disputes is unlawful, unacceptable and prohibited by the constitution and national policy," the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr S.K. Boafo said in a statement released in Accra.

"Accordingly, the Ministry would like to urge both parties to the dispute to restrict themselves to the laid down procedures by law for the resolution of chieftaincy disputes by traditional authorities in the country," he said.

Mr Boafo appealed to the Nkoranza and Gonja Traditional Councils to settle their differences amicably to ensure peace and stability in the interest of the development of their respective traditional areas. He assured the chiefs and people of Nkoranza and Gonja of his readiness to cooperate and facilitate any peace initiatives either by the parties or with other stakeholders.

"What the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, and for that matter the Government, would not allow or entertain, however, is for any group or individual to take the law of Ghana into their hands and thereby disturb the peace and stability which Ghanaians have enjoyed so far," Mr Boafo said.