The Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area, Naa Ansule Donglabong Ganaa III, has issued a strong admonition following a heated altercation that briefly disrupted the confirmation process of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) nominee for the Jirapa Municipal Assembly.
The incident occurred shortly after the first round of voting on President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee, Peter N. To-ang, who fell just one vote short of confirmation. Of the 52 eligible votes cast (one member was deceased), Mr. To-ang secured 34 votes against 18, missing the required two-thirds threshold for approval.
While the exercise began in a calm and well-coordinated atmosphere, tensions flared in the aftermath, leading to a misunderstanding between some individuals. The cause of the fracas remains unclear, but the Paramount Chief, who was present at the event alongside the Paramount Chief of the Ullo Traditional Area, Naa Alhaji Seidu Amadu Baboorononne II, expressed disappointment at the turn of events.
“It is not unusual for people to have disagreements, but it is highly disrespectful to engage in such conduct in the presence of chiefs,” Naa Donglabong Ganaa III stated. “It is an affront to the skins, the land deities, and the very custodians of our land.”
He further emphasized that as traditional leaders, chiefs are duty-bound to mediate and resolve disputes, not to witness them unfolding unchecked in their presence. He indicated that the Presiding Member of the Jirapa Municipal Assembly, Hon. Benedict Ninfaazuma, would be summoned for traditional pacification rites as a mark of respect to the chiefs and the land.
Second Round Brings Resolution
Following the failed confirmation and ensuing tensions, the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, convened a high-level meeting involving the two paramount chiefs, regional service commanders, and other key stakeholders.
A consensus was reached to proceed with a second round of voting. This time, Mr. To-ang garnered 42 votes, representing over 77 percent of ballots cast, thus securing his confirmation as MCE.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. To-ang expressed gratitude and pledged to run an open-door administration that would unite stakeholders across political, social, and traditional lines in a shared commitment to the development of the municipality.
The Regional Minister, in his closing address, commended the traditional leaders for their wisdom and intervention at a critical moment. He called for unity and urged all to refrain from finger-pointing.
“Everyone here had the chance to vote yes or no. Now that a decision has been made, what matters is that we all move forward together for the good of the Jirapa Municipality,” Hon. Puozuing said.
Elsewhere in the Region
In a related development, Adamu Yakubu has been overwhelmingly confirmed as the MCE for Sissala East, securing 96 percent of the valid votes cast. His confirmation brings the total number of approved MCEs in the Upper West Region to two.
