Traditional Authorities Urges to Prioritize Dialogue Over Conflict, National Security Coordinator

Traditional Authorities Urges to Prioritize Dialogue Over Conflict, National Security Coordinator

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi

COP Osman Abdul -Razak Esq, The National Security Coordinator, has made a passionate appeal to Chiefs and Traditional Authorities to prioritize dialogue over conflict to resolve issues of ethnic and chieftaincy disputes.

He made this appeal during a meeting with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, emphasizing that when chiefs speak peace, their subjects are bound to listen.

The National Security Coordinator highlighted the crucial role that Chiefs and Queenmothers play in maintaining peace and stability in their communities. He noted that they are the backbone of the laws that govern society and that their wisdom and traditions are essential in preserving peace and justice.

COP Abdul-Razak identified three critical challenges facing national security: chieftaincy, lands, and ethnic disputes, as well as environmental degradation and the proliferation of small arms during festivals.

He revealed that there are over 503 reported cases of ethnic and lands-related issues nationwide, with 130 of them posing an existential threat to communities and national security.

The National Security Coordinator lamented the loss of lives and destruction of properties resulting from conflicts, citing the Bawku conflict as a prime example.

He noted that Bawku, once a thriving commercial hub, has become synonymous with violence and tragedy, forcing national security to impose a curfew to preserve lives. He also mentioned the Nkwanta conflict, which has caused several deaths and destruction of properties.

COP Abdul -Razak emphasized that it is essential to resolving disputes and maintaining peace and stability in their communities.

He reiterated that by working together, they can find peaceful solutions to the challenges facing their communities and promote national security.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, has reminded the National Security Coordinator that road accidents pose a significant threat to national security, surpassing the impact of chieftaincy and land disputes in terms of loss of life.

According to him, the number of fatalities on Ghana’s roads within the past three to six months is alarming and requires immediate attention to save lives.

The National House of Chiefs President also expressed concern about the proliferation of firearms and live bullets during festivals, which he described as a pressing issue.

He urged traditional leaders (Nananom) to address the menace, noting that the use of firearms during festivals could lead to unintended consequences, including hired violence. Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II called on the National Security apparatus to collaborate with traditional leaders to bring sanity to society.

The President of the National House of Chiefs welcomed the initiative to involve chiefs in fighting social menaces confronting society.

He believes that the partnership between traditional leaders and national security agencies is crucial in promoting peace and stability in communities.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II is a respected traditional leader and the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area.

He has extensive experience in conflict resolution and has been instrumental in promoting peace and stability in his region.

As the President of the National House of Chiefs, he plays a vital role in representing the interests of traditional leaders across Ghana.