The Commission of Enquiry into the Yendi clashes has commenced its sitting in the Brong Ahafo regional capital – Sunyani despite calls by some groups for a change in the venue.
The Dagbon Traditional Council and particularly the Andani family of the assassinated Ya Na Yakubu Andani are calling for a change of the venue to Tamale, Kumasi, Damongo or Nalerigu. According to them, Sunyani lacks adequate accommodation, while the security of witnesses and the chiefs cannot be guaranteed.
A petition signed by the Kubun-Naa, Abu Yiri II and the regent of Gulkpegu, Naa Tiblim Abdulai made reference to rumours of a possible attack on them in Sunyani. The Traditional Council said the rumours will not be dismissed as they did prior to the massacre of their chief and people in Yendi, adding that they have learnt their lessons from that incident. The petition said Tamale will be a more suitable venue than Sunyani because it is a more familiar place for all parties.
The Dagbon Traditional Council said alternatively, Kumasi, Damongo and Nalerigu could be used since they are the homes of the members of the Otumfuo Mediation Committee. It noted that each of the three members of the Otumfuo committee could be prevailed upon to offer assistance if any one of the three venues is chosen.
They appealed to the President to give a sympathetic consideration to their request and pledged their full cooperation to bring lasting peace to Dagbon. The traditional council also expressed its appreciation to the President and the government for the appointment and inauguration of the commission.
Over 40 people including the Paramount Chief of the area were murdered during the three-day clashes in March, this year. Members of the public wishing to submit any memorandum to the commission are free to do so. Transport will be made available to convey summoned witnesses to Sunyani.
Source: GhanaWeb
