Resolution on State of Emergency in Dagbon fails

Accra, July 17, GNA- Parliament on Thursday failed to extend the State of Emergency in the Dagbon Traditional Area which expires on Tuesday, July 22, 2003.

The House, by a vote of 97 in favour, none against and 35 abstentions, could not carry the resolution since it needed a vote of 101 in favour to be able to pass it.

The voting, which seemed to be on partisan lines saw the Majority voting in favour of the resolution whilst the Minority NDC abstained. Justifying the abstention, the Minority NDC had called for the postponement of the resolution to Friday to enable them to make further consultations and discussions amongst members before it was moved. In his presentation to Parliament for the extension of the State of the Emergency for another month, the Minister of the Interior, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang said one issue of concern to everybody is the security situation in the Dagbon Traditional Area with reports from the security agencies indicating that there was some calm in the area. Mr Owusu-Agyemang said however, that the security agencies have called for the continued maintenance of the Emergency to ensure that the situation is not disturbed, adding that the curfew in the area has been under constant review based on the analysis of the situation by the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

He said the current curfew hours are from midnight to 4 am and assured the House that these hours would be changed whenever the security personnel so advise.

"We are making progress in finding a solution to the crisis in Dagbon and the critical issue of the purification process has been concluded and an agreement in respect of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Gbewaa Palace is near conclusion."

Mr Owusu-Agyemang said funds for the Gbewaa Palace project has been made available and work would begin soon after which the traditional issue of the burial of the Yaa Naa and the enskinment of a new regent would be tackled.

The Interior Minister said during his visit to the Dagbon area he interacted separately with members of the two Gates aimed at moving the process forward, adding that the outcome was positive with both sides resolving to be committed to peace.

"My attention had been drawn to a number of issues affecting the performance of some members of the House in their performance of their duties," and urged them to let him know their problems so that it can be addressed with dispatch.

He mentioned some of the problems of non-availability of common funds for use in the constituencies, participation in the work of the district assemblies and access to their constituents, which he said are being tackled.