The Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, has lifted the ban placed on Damongo lawmaker Samuel Abu Jinapor, allowing him to visit all palaces in the area once again.
This decision came after a high-powered delegation, including Chieftaincy Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng, intervened and pleaded on behalf of the lawmaker.
It will be recalled that the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, was banned from visiting any paramountcy in Gonjaland. The King issued this ban, describing him as a threat to the peace and unity in Gonjaland.
But after a crunch meeting with Mr Jinapor, who was accompanied by several government officials on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Yagbonwura has expressed satisfaction over the resolution of the issues.
According to reports from the palace, Mr. Jinapor used this meeting to present his side of the story, reiterating his respect for the chieftaincy institution and the Yagbonwura as a Prince of Gonjaland. Sources close to the Palace indicate that the Yagbonwura was satisfied with the Minister’s explanation and his respectful nature.
The Yagbonwura expressed concern over the initial reports but emphasized the importance of protecting the dignity of Gonja chiefs and people. He thanked Mr. Jinapor for his humility and commitment to resolving the issues, blessing him as a proud grandson and welcoming him back to the Jakpa Palace and other palaces in Gonja.
He said he had always known the Minister to be a respectful person, who would never denigrate the Chieftaincy institution, nor disrespect the Yagbonwura as his grandfather.
The King said as a Prince of the land, he was certain that the Minister was well-versed in the customs and traditions of Gonja, and would not engage in acts that would be deemed disrespectful to the Chiefs and people of Gonja.
Last month, the Yagbonwura banned the MP from entering the Jakpa Palace and all other palaces in the Kingdom, directing Gonja chiefs not to grant audience to groups including the Minister. This followed actions deemed reprehensible by the Chiefs and people of Gonjaland and allegations of the Minister interfering in Damongo Skin matters.
In response, Mr. Jinapor issued a statement reaffirming his respect for the chieftaincy institution and denied any interest in the Damongo chieftaincy affairs, emphasizing his commitment to serving the people of Damongo and Ghana.
To resolve the matter, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sent a delegation led by Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng. The delegation included Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, Council of State member Pkogriwura Adam Zakaria, Savannah Regional Minister Saeed Muhazu Jibril, and Savannah Regional NPP Chairman Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
