President petitioned to intervene in Sekyedumase dispute

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) - The Sekyedumasi branch of the 31st December Women's Movement (DWM) has petitioned President Jerry John Rawlings to intervene and help seek a permanent solution to the protracted chieftaincy dispute at Sekyedumasi for peace to prevail.

The petition said the dispute if not swiftly checked, could escalate into uncontrolled violence and negatively affect all socio-economic activities at Sekyedumasi.

Four members of the movement, Madam Elizabeth Benewah, Mary Pokuaa, Felicia Yeboah and Madam Amponsah signed the petition issued in Kumasi on Saturday.

It stated "indications are that an unconfirmed chief in the town is likely to swear the oath of allegiance to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Monday, July 10".

In a separate petition to President Rawlings, a group of farmers of Sekyedumasi also appealed to the President to help find an amicable and lasting solution to the chieftaincy dispute.

The petition said, "the chieftaincy dispute has the potential of seriously affecting the smooth conduct of the forthcoming general elections and should, therefore, not be allowed to drag on".