Tension mounts in Sabon Zongo over chieftaincy

Tension is mounting in Sabon Zongo, in Accra following the installation of two Muslim chiefs from the same family in May.

Alhaji Sulley Shaibu Baako, 61, a former tutor of Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) and a livestock farmer, was installed on May 18 while his 70 year-old uncle, Zerakin Alhaji Yahaya Hamisu Baako was installed the next day. Both of them are from the Baako family.

The two chiefs, in separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency, claimed they have the support of their people and admitted that tension was developing between the two factions.

Alhaji Sulley said: "The degree of the tension is immeasurable. The Dansoman Police have come for me twice already within the last few days telling me that they were informed that there would be possible rioting during my outdooring."

He said the second time the Police invited him he was attending a seminar on HIV/AIDS at the Local Government School at Lartebiokorshie.

"My opponents want to use the Police against me", Alhaji Sulley said, adding "A few days ago, my praise singer and gong-gong beater were chased away by the supporters of my opponent and had it not been my timely intervention there would have been a free fight-for-all".

He said his son, Motari Yahaya had the windscreen of his car smashed at the Zongo by some people suspected to be members of the other faction and that the case was pending before the James Town Community Tribunal.

The two chiefs agreed the Baako family was the legitimate leaders of the Sabon Zongo since the people of James Town gave the land to their grandfather, Mallam Baako about 90 years ago.

Alhaji Sulley's installation was recognised by Ga Mantse in a letter dated June 13 while the James Town Mantse also recognised Alhaji Yahaya in a letter dated June 26.

Alhaji Sulley said he presented himself to Ga Mantse because the Ga Mantse was the overall chief of Accra and that his two predecessors also presented themselves to the Ga Mantse.

He said although the Sabon Zongo land belonged to James Town it had no power to select or impose any chief on the Zongo Community.

The two chiefs agreed that about three weeks ago the Sabon Zongo Chief in Kumasi was in Accra to settle the case between them and directed that Alhaji Yahaya should step down for his nephew.

Alhaji Yahaya said that was untenable since his nephew was usurping his position.

Alhaji Ismail Saakah, Superintendent of Police and Divisional Commander of Accra West, denied that the Police was being used to harass any of the contestants when contacted him.

"We only invite people when we think their acts might breach the peace of an area."

Alhaji Saakah said the Police prevent conflict and that if the installation of a chief would bring lead to the breaching of the law and order it was its duty to pre-empt it.

''This does not mean we are taking sides'', he said.