The Ghana Institute of Governance and Security (GIGS) has expressed concern over the renewed clashes in Yendi in the Northern region, blaming the situation on what it describes as a weak Dagbon peace deal.
Renewed clashes which occurred ahead of the funeral of the Ya Na Yakubu Andani by the Andani side has resulted in the death of one and others injured.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, David Agbee, GIGS believes that the clashes could have been avoided if all the concerns raised at the peace talks were effectively addressed.
The renewed disturbances were recorded in spite of a peace road map announced by the Asantehene-led Committee of eminent chiefs that facilitated the peace talks between the two feuding families- the Abudu and Andani royal gates.
“While we condemn the clashes, the development clearly questions the integrity of the peace deal declared by the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,” it said.
GIGS recalled that the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa AndaniYakubu Abdulai and the youth from the Andani family rejected the peace deal soon after it was announced by the Asantehene on November 21, 2018, pointing out customary breaches and the exclusion of their concerns in the deal.
It said the rejection by the Andani side clearly indicated that the deal could not be effectively and willingly executed by both sides.
“It appears that the said peace deal is more of an imposition by the committee on the parties, and is a product of customary arbitration and not mediation as the committee’s name wrongly depicted.
“The committee could have done better by resorting to mediation, and not customary arbitration in dealing with such a protracted chieftaincy dispute. The lack of consensus only resulted in the lack of complete ownership of the peace deal by both sides,” the statement said.
In addition, it blamed the security apparatus for ignoring the early warning signs ahead of the peace deal implementation, which could have helped to avert the clashes.
“We believe that the most viable way to rectify the situation is for the government to encourage the committee to immediately call the parties for proper mediation to effectively address all interests.
“There is also the need for the committee to involve the youths from both sides and other interested parties take ownership of the peace process to ensure its successful implementation and lasting peace,” it recommended.
By Edmund Mingle/ adrdaily.com
