Wa, Ghana - The Upper West Region's Wa West District is bracing itself for a potential chieftaincy conflict in the Tanina community, as two brothers from the same family are claiming legitimacy to the traditional skin. The dispute has divided the community, with one side supporting Naa Sidik Gbele Gala II, who was initially nominated by the landlords of Tanina four years ago and received the blessings and endorsement of the overlord of Wa, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV.
However, Naa Sidik Gbele Gala II's journey to becoming the chief was marred by allegations of leaking community secrets and information to his uncle's village, Sing, which is embroiled in a land dispute with Tanina. This perceived betrayal led to a loss of support from a cross-section of the youth and landlords in the community according to Info Radio sources.
In response, the aggrieved landlords, known as Tendaanba, nominated Naa Salia Mwinseng II, the senior brother of Naa Sidik Gbele Gala II, as their new chief to replace him. They accuse Naa Sidik Gbele Gala II of community espionage and betraying the trust of the community.
Reliable information gathered by Info Radio indicates that both brothers now hold themselves out as chiefs, each with their own supporters among residents and landlords of Tanina. The situation has created heightened tension in the community, resulting in quarrels and fights among their respective supporters.
The overlord of Wa, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, has recognized Naa Sidik Gbele Gala II as the legitimate chief of Tanina and has set Sunday, July 21st, 2024, for his outdooring.
However, this has not been accepted by those supporting Naa Salia Mwinseng II, who claim allegiance to the paramount chief of the Wichiau traditional area.
A cross-section of landlords (Tendaamba) and youths in Tanina who support Naa Salia Mwinseng II have refused to recognize the overlord of Wa's authority, citing that they owe allegiance only to their traditional leader. As a result, Sunday, July 28th, 2024, has been set as a date for Naa Salia Mwinseng II's outdooring by the overlord of Wichiau traditional area.
The chieftaincy conflict has divided the community into two factions, each supporting one brother or the other. This has created a high-tension situation that could potentially escalate into a bloody chieftaincy conflict if not resolved amicably.
The delicate chieftaincy situation in Tanina has also stalled development efforts in the community. The prolonged dispute has hindered progress on various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.
The people of Tanina are bracing themselves for a potentially volatile situation as both brothers continue to claim legitimacy to the traditional skin. The fate of the community hangs in the balance as residents wait anxiously for a resolution to this long-standing dispute.
In an effort to avoid a violent confrontation, stakeholders are urging calm and calling for dialogue between the parties involved. The Upper West Regional Security council, the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, The Security Agencies and other local authorities must take immediate action to address this issue before it spirals out of control.
As tensions simmer beneath the surface, one thing is clear, the future of Tanina hangs precariously in the balance. Will peace prevail or will this chieftaincy conflict ignite a fiery storm that will engulf the entire community? Only time will tell.
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