A group of Concerned Elders, Opinion Leaders, and Citizens of Naja community in Ghana's North East Region have expressed disappointment and concern over the installation of a rival chief at Naja. The group, led by Spokesperson Mr. Solomon Banabi, addressed the issue at a press conference in Naja. Community members present carried placards with various inscriptions, highlighting their concerns and calling for peace and development in the area.
According to Mr. Banabi, Naja has historically had only one recognized chief since time immemorial. Following the demise of the late chief, a successor was duly selected and enskinned in accordance with the customs, traditions, and accepted practices governing the Naja chieftaincy institution. However, shortly after the lawful enskinment of the new chief, another group within the community began seeking support from the Chereponi District Chief Executive, Mr. Amadu Kofi Sheini, to facilitate the installation of a different individual as chief.
Despite efforts by elders, opinion leaders, and concerned stakeholders to impress upon Mr. Sheini the need to remain neutral, those efforts yielded no positive results. It became apparent that Mr. Sheini, together with certain collaborators, pursued efforts outside the knowledge and involvement of the Chereponi Traditional Council to secure authorization for the enskinment of the rival claimant. This development has heightened tensions within the Naja community and threatened the peace and unity that had long existed among its people.
The Concerned Elders and Citizens of Naja have called on the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Regional Coordinating Council, the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, and the relevant security agencies to investigate the matter. They urged these bodies to take the necessary steps to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the traditional and judicial institutions determine the matter through the appropriate legal and customary channels.
The group also urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow the competent traditional and judicial institutions to resolve the issue. The installation of the rival chief has sparked controversy, with some community members expressing their discontent through placards and public statements. The situation remains tense, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the chieftaincy dispute.
The Chereponi District Chief Executive, Mr. Amadu Kofi Sheini, has not publicly commented on the matter. However, his alleged involvement in the installation of the rival chief has sparked concerns about his neutrality and potential abuse of public office. The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and other relevant agencies will need to investigate the matter and determine the appropriate course of action.
The Naja community has been a peaceful and unified area for a long time, and the current chieftaincy dispute has caused concern among residents and stakeholders. The Concerned Elders and Citizens of Naja are advocating for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, and their calls for investigation and restraint have been echoed by many in the community. The outcome of the dispute will likely have significant implications for the community and its leadership.
Key points
- The Concerned Elders and Citizens of Naja are calling for an investigation into the installation of a rival chief at Naja.
- The group claims that the District Chief Executive, Mr. Amadu Kofi Sheini, facilitated the installation of the rival chief.
- The dispute has heightened tensions within the Naja community and threatened the peace and unity that had long existed among its people.
