NPP Delegation Begs Yagbonwura
A delegation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) recently visited the palace of Yagbonwura Bi-kunuto Jewu Soale I, the Overlord of the Gonja Traditional Area, in Damongo, Savannah Region.
The delegation was led by Savannah Regional Minister Saeed Muhazu Jibril, and included the Savannah Regional NPP Chairman Iddrisu Sulemana, Chieftaincy and Culture Affairs Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng, and Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul.
Their visit aimed to intercede on behalf of Damongo Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Abu Jinapor, who had been banned by the Yagbonwura from accessing any palace in the Gonjaland traditional area. The delegation sought to plead for the Gonja King’s forgiveness towards the Damongo MP.
They held a closed-door meeting with the Yagbonwura and his elders at his residence but declined to brief the media on the outcome.
Yagbonwura Bi-kunuto Jewu Soale I had previously banned Samuel Abu Jinapor, who also serves as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, from all Gonjaland paramountcies.
The Yagbonwura decreed that no paramount chief should grant audience to any delegation that includes Jinapor, citing the MP’s need to learn and respect traditional authority. The Yagbonwura warned that any paramountcy violating this ban would face severe consequences.
The ban stemmed from accusations against Jinapor of meddling in chieftaincy matters in the Damongo Traditional Area. Despite these accusations, Jinapor asserted his respect for the Yagbonwura, whom he regards as a father.
In response to the Yagbonwura’s statement, a youth group called Youth of Gonjaland Kingdom held a peaceful demonstration in Damongo, expressing their anger towards Jinapor’s alleged disrespect and undermining of the Yagbonwura. They marched through the streets with red hand bands, chanting war songs and drumming.
The Chief of Sakpala, Jantonwura Peter Awusi, spoke to journalists, condemning politicians who use governmental power to undermine the Yagbonwura’s authority. He emphasized that such actions aim to devalue the Yagbonwura in the public eye and warned against political interference in chieftaincy issues, calling for respect towards traditional authority.
