President Akufo-Addo has asked the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ebenezer Kojo Kum, to urgently draw the attention of all stakeholders in the Bawku impasse, to desist from actions and pronouncements that can further escalate tensions and violence in the area.
A statement by the Sector Minister, says claims that Bawku does not have an Overlord and attempts to install a new Bawku Naba, runs contrary to the already determined position of the Supreme Court on the matter.
The statement adds that the status of the Paramount Chief of Bawku, has been settled by the Supreme Court in April 2003.
It said the judgment of the Supreme Court is to be complied with and not subject to the opinions of any individual or group to pick and choose whether to abide by them.
According to the statement, all parties are expected to abide by the decision of the Supreme Court and allow peace to prevail in Bawku, adding that, Government is resolved to ensure that people holding offices legitimately are not refrained from performing their roles and functions.
It stated that the security agencies have been authorized to take all necessary steps to ensure law and order are fully enforced and any persons who are in breach of the peace are brought to book.
Accordingly, members of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs have averred that the current occupant of the skin, the Paramount Chief of Bawku, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka was enskinned on 24th April, 1984 and thus became the President of the Kusaug Traditional Council.
Chieftaincy Minister reacts
Meanwhile, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ebenezer Kojo Kum, says until a decision by the Supreme Court recognizing the Paramount Chief of Bawku as Overlord is varied or set aside, that decision is binding on all persons. The Minister made the assertion at the 34th Annual Samanpiid festival celebrated by the Chiefs and people of the Kusaug Traditional Area in the Upper East Region.