Togbe Afede warns Alavanyo, Nkonya chiefs over violence

The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV has warned chiefs in Alavanyo and Nkonya, they will be held responsible should fresh violence break out in those areas.

Togbe Afede’s warning followed the renewed conflict in which one person was shot dead in March, 2013, at Nkonya Tayi. He was speaking Thursday, April 18, 2013, during the first emergency meeting over the renewed clashes.

He also asked government to compulsorily take custody of the disputed Nkonya-Alavanyo land in order to restore permanent peace to the communities.

The Agbogbomefia of Asogli State stated that chiefs of the two towns must be in the position to expose perpetrators of violence there.

“If someone from Nkonya kills another in Alavanyo, the chief must be able to find out; if someone from Alavanyo kills another in Nkonya, the chief must find out who is behind that killing.”

Togbe Afede said the House of Chiefs will be compelled to sanction chiefs whose indigenes are found to be disturbing the peace in the area.

Meanwhile, conflict resolution expert and Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP), Emmanuel Bombande says any recommendation towards resolving the violence will not work, until leaders in these areas are ready to commit to dialogue.

Mr. Bombande recommended more commitment to sustain ongoing peaceful dialogue.

He charged the Regional Coordinating Council to provide resources and leadership to help facilitate the peace process.