The Northern Forum for Peace and Development (NOFPED), a pressure group in Ghana’s Upper East Region, has called on prominent paramount chiefs, including the Navro Pio, Nangodi Nab, Sakoti Nab, and Zuguraan, as well as the Upper East Peace Council, to intervene in the lawsuit filed by Tongraan Sandema Nab , Nab Azagzuk Azantilow II against the president of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, PE Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III. This lawsuit follows Ayagitam’s recent re-election, which was contested by Naba Baba Salifu Atamale, the paramount chief of the Bongo Traditional Area.
NOFPED led by Mr John Yaro Zumah Tirough argues that if these prominent chiefs do not intervene, it could lead to delays in development and bring shame to the House. The group emphasized that in many cases, the court refers to matters to the House for resolution to promote peace within affected communities.
“We, the leaders and members of NOFPED, humbly request that prominent chiefs like the Bawku Naba, Navro Pio, Naaga Naba, Nangodi Nab, and Sakoti Nab address this pressing issue to prevent further escalation. A court ruling is rarely the best solution in a traditional setting,” the group stated.
The lawsuit seeks to declare the election held on September 16, 2024, which re-elected Ayagitam as president, as null and void. The plaintiffs argue that the election procedures were contrary to established practices of the House and have requested an interlocutory injunction to prevent Ayagitam from assuming the presidency until the case is resolved.
The group expressed disappointment that the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, a revered institution in Northern Ghana, appears to be in conflict with itself. They noted that the House has historically been effective in resolving disputes among various ethnic groups.
Currently, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III is recognized for his contributions to the House, including overseeing significant renovations that had not occurred since the 1950s. He has also played a vital role in addressing chieftaincy-related issues.
It is important to note that Ayagitam previously contested against Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang for a seat on the Council of State in February 2021 but was unsuccessful. This illustrates that contests among chiefs are not uncommon.
According to the Chieftaincy Act, there is no provision for a rotational presidency within the House of Chiefs; elections are mandated. While a rotational system was informally agreed upon in 2001, it was reviewed and replaced by an electoral system in 2022, which aligns with legal requirements.
The House of Chiefs is respected for its role in adjudicating local disputes, often receiving referrals from courts at various levels due to its members’ esteemed positions in society.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya