Peace at James Town at last

Accra, June 4, GNA - After decades of a protracted chieftaincy dispute in James Town, Accra, dividing the beach community on royal clan fragments, there now appears to be high hopes on the horizon as a result of the recommendations of a Truth and Reconciliation Committee set up by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tawiah III, which brokered a deal between the feuding factions.

Residents of the old settlement, which is frequently referred to "British Accra", are now in ecstasy and jubilation, waiting for the implementation of the peace plan, which would bring them together to forge a common front towards the development of the area and the opening of opportunities for their youth and generations yet unborn. The Truth and Reconciliation Committee, which was chaired by Nii Tetteh Ashong II, Ga Seitse (Stool Owner) and had the Reverend Cannon Hansen Addy and the Reverend Aflah Sackey as members emphasized the need for peace among the feuding factions in the long standing chieftaincy dispute.

In the opinion of the Committee, by a ruling delivered at the Ga Mantse Palace last week, the Committee entreated the feuding factions to resolve the matter peacefully with the involvement of all stakeholders. It also urged them to renounce a destoolment procedure instituted by the Adanse Mantse, Nii Sackey Akomia VI and his King Makers against Nii Kojo Ababio V, James Town Alata Ngleshie Mantse. They said in achieving the objectives of the Committee, Nii Kojo Ababio V, who initiated the move for the peaceful settlement, culminating in the setting up of the Committee, must "restore all Kingmakers and others having capacity in the chieftaincy matters in the dynasty and allow all, who submitted their names through the Truth and Reconciliation Committee".

The Committee lauded the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tawiah III for having the foresight to set up the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. It recommended that its ruling should be "honoured by both the dislodged and the incumbent sides for the immediate implementation by Nii Kojo Ababio V, to bring about the peaceful and harmonious settlement of issues.

Also, he must uphold "the resolution of all matters between himself and the other parties he dearly cherishes for the manifestation of the peaceful understanding." The verdict was received by both sides with applause, as they smiled, hugged and exchanged pleasantries before departing the Ga Mantse Palace.

Commenting on the ruling, Nii Sackey Akomia, Chief of Adanse and Head of Wetse Kojo Ruling House, praised King Tackie Tawiah III for succeeding in putting them on the path to peace. He said he could only equate his sense of judgment to that of the late former Chief Justice, Justice Nii Armah Ollenu, whose landmark ruling in 1967 forestalled a similar situation, a decision, which led to peace and tranquillity in the Ga State.

The Chief said the attainment of a peaceful society must be the primary objective of every leader, so he and his kingmakers would abide by the recommendations of the Committee to the letter in order to unite the people and mobilize them to undertake positive endeavours.