GaDangme Congress calls for unity to resolve crisis

Accra, Aug. 18, GNA - The GaDangme Council on Friday called on all her citizens to approach the crisis confronting the Ga Traditional Council with calm spirit guided by custom and tradition. At the 2006 GaDangme Homecoming Congress, there was a consensus that the dispute that had engulfed the Ga State with the installation of Dr Jo Blankson as Ga Mantse could best be resolved through unity. There was a consensus that the four Royal Houses must come together to appoint a Dzase (Head) without delay.

The four Royal Houses of Amugi, Abolabi, Teiko Tsuru and the Takie Kome We constituted the Houses from which a candidate could be appointed and installed as the Ga Chief.

Members noted that the Dzase when elected should immediately proceed with the burial of the late Ga Mantse, Nii Amugi II. The Congress under the theme: "Harnessing GaDangme Resources for Sustainable Development" was to foster unity among the people to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation. Dr Kwaku Baprui Asante, a Former Diplomat and President of the GaDangme Council, said the issues confronting the Traditional Council over the installation of a Ga Mantse could best be resolved by a united front.

He said the Dzase should proceed with the customary practices so that a candidate, recognised by all as the rightful one, was appointed and installed as a Ga Mantse. Dr Asante said all elders of the Ga State should respect and abide by customary rules and tradition adding that the interests of the GaDangmes could best be protected through understanding and unity. "It is only a united Gadangme, which can make its unique contribution to the heritage and prosperity of Ghana." he said. On the issue of Ga lands that were taken over by the Government, Dr Asante said the lands that were not used for the prescribed purposes should be returned to the Ga people, who were the original and rightful owners.

He said the Achimota Forest, which had been earmarked for the Zoo should not be touched since it was the only land left in Accra adding that if possible the zoo should be relocated to the game and wildlife sanctuary at the Shai Hills.

Dr Asante said the Government should take immediate steps to formulate a policy on the naming of national land marks following the rumpus over the renaming of the Accra Sports Stadium. "While efforts are being made to cure the defects in the process of renaming of the Accra Sports Stadium we demand a reversal to the name - Accra Sports Staduim" he said.

Mr Bright Akwetey, Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Council, said a section of the people from the Teiko Tsuru We had gone ahead to appoint and install Dr Jo Blankson, with the stool name King Tackie Tawiah III as Ga Mantse which was an infringement on the customary rules and regulations.

He said the four Royal Houses had not come to a consensus as to which House should rule adding that the installation of Dr Jo Blankson meant that the Ga State now had two chiefs since the late chief had not been buried.

"The installed Ga Mantse swore an oath to Policemen in Armoured Cars and not to the Traditional Council and the whole of the Ga State" he said.

Mr Akwetey said the custom of the Ga State stipulated that the late chief must be buried before a new one was installed adding that the issue was before the Regional House of Chiefs to find an amicable solution for peace to prevail. 18 Aug. 06