The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has presented a letter from the presidency to the Awormefia of the Anlo state, Togbui Sri III, appointing the latter as the sole mediator for the Bimbila chieftaincy dispute.
Togbui Sri was recently announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a sole mediator for the 25-year old Bimbila chieftaincy conflict.
The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Sa-eed said the whole Northern Region is excited about the appointment of the Aworme Fia of the Anlo state, as the sole mediator in the chieftaincy dispute in Bimbila owing to the rich experience and knowledge of the Awormefia in matters of peace brokering and conflict resolution.
Addressing a ceremony to present the letter of appointment to Togbui Sri, Northern Regional Minister Salifu Sa-eed indicated that the hope for peace in the Northern Region has been reignited not just because of the Awormefia’s experience and depth of knowledge but also because Ewes and the people of the Northern Region have intermarried over the years.
“We are happy because there’s a refreshed hope for peace in Bimbila. We know the task is a huge one but we trust your prowess and knowledge in tradition. We are also happy because Ewes and the people of the Northern Region especially people of the Nanum have intermarried and so we know Togbui is coming home to solve a family matter,” Mr Salifu Sa-eed indicated.
National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, said President Nana Akufo-Addo spoke highly of Togbui Sri saying the president, trusting the depth of Togbui Sri’s knowledge in conflict resolution, appointed him sole mediator against the norm of appointing a committee for such tasks.
“When the president called me to tell me about his plans to appoint you to mediate in the Bimbila Conflict, I expected him to mention the committee members but the president said no. He wanted a sole mediator this time. The president went ahead to speak fondly of you Togbui and that wetted my appetite to go and inquire more about who Inspector Agbogba is. My findings have even given me more confidence that Mr President made the right choice,” the National Security Minister told Togbui Sri at the ceremony.
Togbui Sri in his response expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the president saying he is trusting in the almighty God’s support to successfully deliver peace in Bimbila as he has done in other places in the past.
The decision over the rightful chief of Bimbilla had been in dispute for many years.
The issue was put before the National House of Chiefs for arbitration.
The verdict of the chiefs was subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2018, declaring Naa Andani II as the legitimate chief of the area but this ruling has since hit a snag.