Extension Of Dagbon State Of Emergency Approved

Parliament on Monday approved by a unanimous decision, a resolution for the extension of the state of Emergency in the Dagbon Traditional Area for a further period of one month beginning from August 16.

This follows a resolution moved in the House for the extension of the period by the Minister for Defence and Acting Minister for the Interior, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufour. According to him indepth investigations conducted by the General Officer commanding the Northern Command have revealed that no willful acts of professional misconduct had been committed by security personnel in the Dagbon Traditional Area as was alleged by some members of the House on July 12, 2002.

He however warned that no proven case of misconduct by any security personnel in the area, would go unpunished. Dr Kwame Addo-Kufour said the level of peace and harmony needed for smooth socio-economic activities in the Dagbon Traditional area is not prevailing. He added that rumours and suspicion are still rife within the area and have the potential of generating further trouble thereby reversing the gains so far made there.

On his part the minority chief whip and MP for Avenor, Hon. Doe Adjaho expressed the dissatisfaction of the Minority group on government’s handling of the situation in the Dagbon Traditional area and called for more informal interaction between the Executive and the local people to cool down tempers in the area.

The Minority Leader, Hon. Alban Bagbin said government cannot address the problem in the Dagbon Traditional Area single-handedly and added that, the minority group is sincere in its efforts to find a lasting solution to the problem.