Tension has risen between the Tindana of Zuarungu and Chief Gbee Naba James Zoogah over land boundaries. A dispute erupted between the chief of Gbee and his community in the Talensi District and the Tindana of Zuarungu and his people in the Bolgatanga East District concerning a parcel of land sold to a private individual who began development but was halted by Chief Gbee, who claims ownership.
The land dispute reached the Bolgatanga divisional police, who attempted to mediate the conflict weeks ago. They instructed the Bolgatanga East District Police Commander, ASP Simpa Charles, to oversee the process of determining rightful ownership and exact boundaries on December 23, 2024.
As the mediator, ASP Simpa Charles urged both factions to avoid violence and allow the traditional process to clarify land ownership. Tindana Nyaaba Animoah of Zuarungu stated that all shrines within the contested land belong to his ancestors. He argued that the claim of Chief Gbee to ownership or shared boundaries is unfounded, as the people of Zuarungu only share boundaries with the Kpatia Tindana.
To resolve the dispute, Tindana Nyaaba Animoah offered a red cock as a sacrifice to his ancestors, seeking clarity on the rightful owners of the land. He pleaded with his great-grandparents to reveal the truth about the land and its boundaries.
Chief James Zoogah of Gbee responded, asserting that his late father had been the custodian of the land, claiming that Gbii’s boundary ends at the river in the valley known as Naba-buoh. He proposed a libation ritual involving the mixing of soil from the land, which he would drink alongside Tindana Nyaaba Animoah. However, the Zuarungu Tindana rejected the offer, expressing distrust of the concoction. Chief Zoogah proceeded to drink the mixture himself and handed the remnants to his elders, calling on their ancestors for guidance.
As the Gbee community supported their chief, tensions escalated at the land site. The Bolgatanga East District Police, led by ASP Simpa Charles, intervened to prevent potential clashes between the factions gathered to witness the process.
Both sides are now awaiting a response from their ancestors regarding the rightful ownership of the land. Tindana Nyaaba Animoah indicated that the resolution could take three days to a year, warning that a prolonged conflict could result in tragedy for the defeated community. He urged both factions to appease the gods to prevent any loss of life.
After the rituals, the Bolgatanga East police escorted the Kpatia Tindana and his people to avoid clashes with the Gbii community. The Kpatia Tindana, who shares boundaries with Zuarungu, testified that the land belonged to Zuarungu and not to Gbee.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard A.Adongo .