Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, has given assurance to the chiefs and people of the region, particularly in Jirapa, that he will work to maintain the existing peace in the municipality.
While addressing kingmakers, the Minister emphasized that Jirapa has the potential to become the fastest-developing municipality in the region.
He highlighted the numerous educational and institutional facilities in the area, stating that peace is crucial for the community to realize its developmental potential.
”Chieftaincy conflict has never been a friend to us, what they bring in their wake is poverty, misery and lack of development and we don’t want that for our beloved Jirapa,” he said.
The Jirapa skin and elders, including the chief of Tugo, Naa Daniel Tangba, visited the office of the Upper West Regional Minister to inform him of the successful completion of the final funeral rites for the late paramount chief of Jirapa, Naa Ansolee Ganaa II.
During the meeting, they unanimously endorsed the Jirapa regent, Naa Justice Dinah Donglabong, as the successor. Additionally, the delegation invited the Regional Minister to the coronation of Naa Justice Donglabong Dinah scheduled for December 30, 2023.
Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih commended the Kingmakers for the efficient and peaceful manner in which they conducted their activities to arrive at a decision.
He encouraged the kingmakers and all individuals involved in the nomination, enskinment, and out-dooring of the new chief to adhere to due process.
”Let’s do things in conformity to the dictates of the laws of Ghana. As you go back to jirapa to continue the processes, you have to be measured and do things in moderation.”
“For us here, we don’t have a side we are supporting. What we know is to ensure that there is peace and harmony in Jirapa,” he added
Dr. Bin Salih warned, ”We will not allow any individual or any group of persons to disturb the peace we are enjoying in Jirapa”.
Principal State Attorney at the Office of the Attorney General’s Department in the Upper West region, lawyer Saeed Abdul Shakur, was clear and unequivocal regarding the stance of the Upper West Regional Security Council on chieftaincy issues.
”We also want to make it clear that we do not have a hand or whatsoever in the chieftaincy matters in Jirapa. We don’t have a side as chieftaincy matters are concerned. The welfare of the people is the principal responsibility of the regional minister ably supported by the rest of us,” he disclosed.
Lawyer Saeed Abdul Shako advised that individuals dissatisfied with any issues related to chieftaincy matters should seek redress through the appropriate channels, emphasizing resorting to the judicial process instead of taking the law into their own hands.
He highlighted four channels for resolving grievances: the Judicial Council of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, the Judicial Council of the National House of Chiefs, and the Supreme Court.
Additionally, he issued a warning that the state will take strong action against anyone or group of persons going against the established legal processes.