CALM has returned to the Tamale metropolis with brisk business and social activities picking up fast, after the February 17 unfortunate disturbances which occurred after an altercation between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and those of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
One person died while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in the clash. Some properties were also destroyed and houses razed to the ground.
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Commander of Police, ASP Abanga Caesar, a social misunderstanding between some butchers at the Central Market later degenerated into the political violence.
The disturbances did not, however, engulf the entire metropolis. They were concentrated in some enclaves at Gumbihimi and Nyohini, where a number of houses and vehicles were put on fire.
Interestingly, some residents were not even aware of the incident and the heavy security presence in the metropolis, but only heard of it through the media .
It is an undeniable fact that since the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, which culminated in the murder of the Overlord of the area, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, and some of his retinue, the metropolis has never known peace.
The existing differences in the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis between the Andani and Abudu Royal Gates have, however, existed with the people over some decades now.
A permanent solution is yet to be found to this protracted crisis. Unfortunately, the existing situation has taken a deep-rooted political dimension. The chieftaincy issue has often cascaded into most of the political crisis that has been witnessed in some parts of Dagbon over the years.
It is, however, unfortunate that anytime there is a strife at any corner of the metropolis, it is reported as if the entire Tamale is on fire.
Indeed, a colleague who accompanied the Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, and his team to the metropolis from Accra to ascertain the security situation a couple of days ago, could not believe that he was in Tamale because of the prevailing serenity and commercial activities, especially in the central business district.
“What even surprises me most is the number of the foreign visitors I have seen happily roaming the streets of the metropolis on bicycles and on foot,” he stated.
Following the latest disturbances, the newly enskinned Chief of Tamale, Dakpema Mohamadu Dawuni, has urged all parties in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint while a lasting solution was found to the recurrent problem.
He entreated the people to co-operate with the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators to face the full rigours of the law.
The chief attributed the situation to a lack of discipline on the part of some youth and the failure of some parents and guardians to discipline their recalcitrant wards.
The chief condemned the violence and urged the security personnel to retrieve all illegal weapons in the possession of residents.
At a press conference at his palace, Dapkema Dasana, emphasised that “Tamale is a cosmopolitan area and a home to all; Tamale is not a jungle, but a part of Ghana where law and order must operate at all times.”
He thus advised the youth to be each other’s keeper and must not allow themselves to be manipulated by any individual or a group of persons to engage in violence.
The chief condemned the violence and called for support from his sub-chiefs and other stakeholders, stressing that his regime would be characterised by peace, human and physical development.
Dapkema Dasana further observed that the high unemployment levels among the youth and its resultant endemic poverty could be the reasons for the negative actions of the youth as the “devil finds work for the idle hands”.
“The solution to this problem is to get them gainfully employed in agricultural ventures and also ensure that they are offered opportunities to go to school,” he indicated.
“I am very optimistic that if all of us put our heads together we can make Tamale, which is reported to be among the fastest-growing cities in the West African sub-region, a beautiful and peaceful place for us all,” the chief added.
Fourteen people who were arrested in connection with the disturbances appeared before the Tamale Circuit Court last week and were remanded in prison custody to re-appear on March 4, 2009.
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