Bongo Naba Appeals to Traditional Overlords for Intervention in Bawku Crisis
Bongo Naba Appeals to Traditional Overlords for Intervention in Bawku Crisis
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The Paramount Chief of Bongo, Naba Baba Salifu Alemyaruun Atamale, has made a heartfelt call to the traditional leaders of Dagbon, Mamprugu, Gonja, and Nanun to intervene in the protracted Bawku crisis to restore peace in the region.
Speaking during the second edition of the Gbewa Homecoming Festival in Nalerigu, the Bongo Naba urged the warring factions to prioritize dialogue and compromise over entrenched positions, warning that the ongoing conflict is stalling development in Bawku and beyond.
“I appeal to my father, the Nayiri, the Ndan Ya-Na, the Bimbilla Na, and the Yagbonwura to work towards finding a lasting solution to the Bawku issue,” he said, stressing that instability in Bawku reverberates across the Gbewa fraternity.
He further emphasized his moral responsibility to speak out, stating that silence would render him “a coward” as someone deeply connected to the region.
Condemnation of Social Media Misuse
Naba Alemyaruun expressed concern over the misuse of social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, which he said are being used to escalate tensions. He urged the youth to exercise restraint, cautioning that inflammatory posts hinder efforts toward reconciliation.
“Let’s minimise how we address issues on social media. Silence can often be more constructive,” he advised.
Loyalty and Unity in Tradition
The Bongo Naba reaffirmed his loyalty to the Nayiri and proposed that the next Gbewa Homecoming Festival be hosted in the Bongo Traditional Area to promote unity and inclusiveness.
Celebrating Gbewa Heritage Amid Challenges
The Gbewa Homecoming Festival, organized by the Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA), serves as a platform to celebrate the shared cultural heritage of Gbewa descendants across Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
This year’s theme, “Promoting Cultural Identity, Education, and Political Participation: The Role of Indigenous Languages in Shaping Democratic Governance,” highlighted the importance of cultural preservation amidst the ongoing regional tensions.
Contributions and Commitments
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, represented by North East Regional Minister Yidana Zakaria, expressed gratitude for the region’s electoral support and donated GH¢60,000 to the festival. He assured attendees of efforts to protect state assets ahead of the upcoming transition of power on January 7.
The Paramount Chief of Diyali, representing the Ya Na, called for urgent measures to combat youth drug abuse, which he described as a growing threat to the region’s future.
The festival also featured the launch of the Harmonized Mampruli Autography to preserve the Mampruli language and the inauguration of the Nayiri Educational Endowment Fund Board of Trustees. Distinguished individuals were honored through the Gbewa Excellence Awards Scheme.
The next Gbewa Homecoming Festival is scheduled to take place in Yendi, the heart of the Great Dagbon Kingdom.
