The paramount chief of the Kusaug Traditional Area in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Zuguraan, has urged the Mamprusis in Bawku to accept a role as sub-chiefs under the Kusaug Traditional Council to foster peace.
Speaking at the 37th edition of the Samapiid Festival and the 40th anniversary of Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, Zuguraan emphasized the theme, “Forty Years of Selfless Leadership: Consolidating the Peace, Unity, and Development of Kusaug.” He urged the Mamprusis to move beyond historical grievances, noting that their past leadership in Bawku was an “accident of history,” as they do not possess ancestral land in the area concerning chieftaincy.
Zuguraan also appealed to the Nayiri to refrain from imposing chiefs on the people of Bawku, advocating for acceptance of the current reality to ensure lasting peace in both Bawku and Kusaug.
“The rule of Mamprusis in Bawku as chiefs in the past was an accident of history. Mamprusis have no ancestral land in Kusaug. With respect to chieftaincy in Bawku, I wish to admonish them to select one of their own for enskinment by me as a Mamprusi community chief to collaborate with me. It is unrealistic for Mamprusi settlers in Bawku and Mamprugu to claim the Bawku Skin. The Nayiri cannot impose a chief on us; they should accept this reality for lasting peace,” he stated.
Zuguraan expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives since the lifting of the arrest warrant against Seidu Abagre, stating that his return to Bawku disrespects the Kusaug Traditional Area. He called on the government to enforce the laws of the land to address this issue.
“We have sadly and needlessly lost many lives and property since the lifting of the ban on the arrest warrant for Seidu Abagre. His return is a blatant disrespect to me and the Kusaug people. The government must take bold steps to enforce the laws of Ghana by arresting and prosecuting Seidu Abagre,” he said.
Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II urged all sons and daughters of Kusaug, both at home and in the diaspora, to invest locally to create jobs for the youth, reducing the need for migration in search of better opportunities. He also called on the government to expedite the completion of the Bolga-Pulmakom road and the Tamde Dam to boost job creation and promote business access to neighbouring countries.
Additionally, he appealed for the establishment of a Kusaug Region encompassing the six administrative districts of Bawku, Pusiga, Tempane, Garu, Binduri, and Zebilla, to facilitate developmental activities and enhance peace and security.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard A.Adongo