A violent confrontation has erupted in Bunkprugu, a town in Ghana's North East Region, over a protracted chieftaincy dispute. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 3, after Melchizedek Babotin Musah was allegedly enskinned as a rival chief by members of the Jamong Family. This ceremony took place at a secluded location despite a court injunction restraining the group from proceeding.
The development led to clashes between rival factions later that day, resulting in a woman's death and a soldier being injured. Gunmen reportedly opened fire on a military vehicle responding to the disturbance. The injured soldier was rushed to a hospital in Bolgatanga for treatment. The police have identified seven suspects, including Musah, and are actively searching for them.
The chieftaincy dispute in Bunkprugu has been ongoing since 2016, with the Jamong and Jafouk families competing for the traditional leadership. The National House of Chiefs had earlier ruled in favor of the Jamong Family, but the incumbent chief, Naa Abuba Nasinmong of the Jafouk Family, appealed the decision. The Nayiri, the enskinning authority, has reaffirmed his support for Naa Nasinmong, further complicating the dispute.
The police had secured an injunction against Nyanu Yogbat and six others on September 9, restraining them from enskinng a rival chief. However, the Jamong Family proceeded with the ceremony, installing Musah as their chief. The group left the area immediately after the ceremony, but tensions escalated later that evening, leading to gunfire and the woman's death.
ASP Emmanuel Simtim, the North East Regional Police Commander, confirmed that the police are actively searching for the suspects. He stated that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the violence. The police commander assured that calm has returned to Bunkprugu and the situation is under control.
The latest incident has raised concerns about the potential for further violence if the competing claims to the Bunkprugu chieftaincy are not resolved through the appropriate legal and traditional processes. The police are continuing investigations into the alleged breach of the injunction, the reported rival enskinment, the death of the woman, and the shooting of the soldier.
The Bunkprugu chieftaincy dispute has generated significant tensions and repeated attempts by rival factions to assert their positions. The police's manhunt for the seven suspects is aimed at restoring peace and order in the area. Key efforts are focused on resolving the longstanding dispute through dialogue and adherence to traditional and legal frameworks.
Key points
- The police are searching for Melchizedek Babotin Musah and six others linked to the violence.
- The chieftaincy dispute has been ongoing since 2016.
- A court injunction had been secured to restrain the Jamong Family from enskinng a rival chief.
