Kofi Ampeah Woode
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Northern Command (N/COMD) – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Frank Nartey Tei, has warned that security agents have deployed to ensure peace in the area in the Northern Region, and that anyone found wielding weapon(s) illegally, would be deemed a threat to peace, and dealt with by the law.
The caution follows the eruption of violence between some people from the Dagomba and Kokomba ethnic groups on Tuesday 6 August 2024, as a result of a supposed land dispute, occasioning the deaths of 5 persons in the region.
The GOC, who was in the company of the Regional Minister – Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, together with other members of the Regional and Municipal Security Councils (REGSEC and MUSEC), said so when the Councils paid a visit to the Mion Palace, on Wednesday 7 August 2024, and were in conversation with the Regent of Mion – Alhaji Mahamadu Alhassan Abdulai, and his elders.
He further assured the Mion Regent, elders and people of the Region that the deployment of the troops in the region, on the Orders of the Chief of Army Staff, of the Ghana Armed Forces – Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, is to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, for them to go about their daily activities without fear.
Brig Gen FN Tei also stated that Ghana’s Military High Command is focused on maintaining peace and security within the country, and that such conflicts, could hinder the fight against violent extremism (VE), which has gradually become a threat in the West Africa sub-region.
The Regional Minister in a statement reassured the Mion Regent, elders and people, of peace in the area adding that what happened was unfortunate and should not be allowed to escalate into a tribal dispute between Dagombas and Kokombas, and that all involved should cooperate with security agencies and appropriate authorities, to resolve the problem and apply sanctions to the perpetrators.
Alhaji SA Shaibu emphasized the need for the youth to use their phones and social media responsibly, to avoid disinformation that could spark violence.
Similarly, the Security Councils met the Chief of Jagrido – Jagri Npoangnan, his elders and subjects, to assure them of their security and safety.
The entourage then called on the King of Dagban – Ya Na Abukari ll, at the Gbewa Palace, Yendi, where they presented to him a report of calm, and of the progress of peace efforts made at Mion and Jagri, whose inhabitants, basically agreed to live peacefully.
To the king and his elders, the GOC reiterated that the biggest threat Ghana faces now is the southward thrust of activities of terrorist action groups (TAGs), which should be of concern to everyone and not fighting among each other.
The Ya Na on his part expressed pleasure at the immediate actions taken to protect citizens of his kingdom, and commended the security agencies.
He also appealed to the Regional Minister for adequate vehicle for military personnel deployed at his palace, to help them react more swiftly to incidents.
Credit: HQ N/COMD
