Kufuor expresses regret about Dagbon crisis impasse

Accra, Feb. 13, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Thursday expressed regret that in spite of efforts by government and other parties at finding a solution to the Dagbon tragedy the situation had still not been resolved. The President in his State of Nation Address to Parliament said it was regretful that an ancient rivalry that erupted among the people of Dagbon, turning brother against brother, leading to the loss of lives and the regicide of the Yaa Na Yakubu Andani II was still not resolved.

He commended Parliament for the co-operation it had given to government in dealing with "these difficult and delicate issues". "That the Dagbon Traditional Area should still be under a state of emergency should be a matter of great concern to all of us." President Kufuor said the government was implementing the recommendations in the White Paper of the Wuaku Commission and it was, therefore, unacceptable that some sections should adopt entrenched positions against the due process, without offering credible reasons for their behaviour. He said the government had been as transparent and as even-handed as possible in dealing with the Dagbon issue because its sole aim was to achieve a just peace.

"The truth is oftentimes bitter, but I believe that the way forward in Dagbon, is for all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and allow due process to work to establish the truth, however, unpalatable and to proceed to dispense justice thence. "This is the way to restore normalcy and harmony. I, therefore, renew my appeal to the two sides of the conflict to respect and submit to the law of the land in the interest of Dagbon and Ghana.