The chiefs and people of Damongo in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region have issued a stern warning to their Member of Parliament, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to stay away from interfering in traditional matters in the area.
According to them, the continuous interference of the MP in matters that should be handled within traditional frameworks has the tendencies of causing widespread discontent and disaffection among the people.
Addressing a press conference in Damongo, Saa Wura -Abukari Jaga on behalf of the Damongowura Kelly Braimah Boresa Seidu said, the MP is the only stakeholder who has refused to recognize and acknowledge Damongowura Kelly as the substantive Damongowura as affirmed by the Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Soale Jewu.
“His continuous interference and disregard for customs and traditions of the Gonja Kingdom has become a matter of concern since this has had serious security implications in Damongo and its environs and equally prepares the grounds for further security threats in the future.”
“It is disheartening to witness the interference of an elected representative in matters that should be handled within our traditional frameworks. The actions of the Member of Parliament for Damongo have caused widespread discontent and disaffection among the people, and it is imperative that this issue be addressed promptly and appropriately,” they asserted.
The chiefs want the presidency and the NPP as a party to take action.
“In this regard, the Damongowura and his sub chiefs, wish to call on the leadership of the NPP, the President of Ghana, H.E Nana Akuffo-Addo, the flagbearer of NPP Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia and the Chieftaincy Minister to call Hon Abu Jinapor to order. The Chiefs and people of Damongo Traditional Area will not countenance any attempt by the Member of Parliament for Damongo to disrespect, undermine and disregard the authority of the Damongowura Kelly Seidu and to compromise the security of Damongo and its environs in the process,” they cautioned.
Since 2016, the Damongo community has been battling with some chieftaincy succession dispute until November last year when the Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto the first brought finality to it by settling on Damongowura Kelly Braimah Seidu Boresa I as the substantive Damongowura.
Response from NPP in Damongo
In a statement signed by the Damongo Constituency Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kadiri Abdul-Rahaman in response to the allegations against the Damongo MP Abu Jinapor, he said the actions of the convenors of the press conference appear more driven by political agenda than genuine concerns.
“We, the NPP in Damongo, are issuing this statement to caution these politicians. As a party, we will not sit aloof and allow any political party to use underhanded tactics involving any chief. Enough of these rants and shenanigans in Damongo.”
“We expected the palaces to maintain their dignity and not be manipulated by political parties to further their selfish agendas. The NPP and our indefatigable lawyer have earned the respect and love of the constituents. His opponents, frustrated by their lack of favor, are attempting to exploit chieftaincy to gain support,” they contended.
It further states “As a political party, we hold traditional rulers and institutions in high regard. However, we will not permit politicians to use these institutions to tarnish our MP’s hard-earned reputation. We call on the good people of Damongo to disregard these baseless and unsubstantiated accusations and treat them with the contempt
they deserve.”
“Lawyer Abu Jinapor is focused on matters of development for the benefit of the people of Damongo and has no interest in meddling in chieftaincy affairs,” Abdul-Rahaman wrote.
Source:onuaonline.com