The Paramount Chief (Nayiri) of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, together with his sub chiefs, would no longer partake in any government activities within the paramountcy.
The resolve of the chiefs would be put into action on Monday as they intend to boycott the Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The decision stems from what they described as government’s “disrespect” towards the Nayiri, and meddling in their chieftaincy affairs.
“We the coalition of Mamprugu chiefs known as Gbewaa Bisi Yiri together with our council of elders, the Mamprugu Youth Association and all youth groups in Mamprugu has resolved to boycott all government activities forthwith”.
The threat was contained in a statement on March 3 signed by the Secretary to Gbewaa Bisi Yiri, Nabia-Azabu, and copied to the North East Regional Minister, Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Area, as well as the Municipal and District Directors of Education.
The chiefs said they would only rescind their decision if government apologises and withdraws a statement which condemned the recent enskinment of a rival Bawka Naba by the Nayir, something they described as “insulting”.
They also accused the government of “gross disregard” for article 270 of the 1992 constitution which gives some level of authority to chiefs.
Read also: Government orders the arrest of new ‘Bawku Naba’
“[The boycott will continue] until the government withdraws his statement issued on 15.02.2023, apologize for same and refrain from meddling in chieftaincy issues, especially the Bawku skin affairs.”
According to them, they cannot celebrate the forthcoming 66th Independence Anniversary under captivity.
Residents of the area have therefore be warned to stay away from the anniversary.
“We therefore wish to serve notice, and notice is hereby served to all and sundry in Mamprugu to refrain from participating or having anything to do with the forthcoming 6th March celebration.
“We cannot celebrate independence under captivity, we cannot celebrate independence when the right of our king and the entire Mamprugu is being trampled upon.
“Parents are advised not to allow their wards to attend the occasion. In fact, anyone involved in the 6th celebration has joined hands with the government in disrespecting our King.”
Read also: Unspeakable destruction at Bawku is a matter of national concern – Muslim Conference
Meanwhile a High Court in the Upper East regional capital Bolgatanga has rescinded an arrest warrant for the Nayiri of the Mamprugu traditional area and his kingmakers.
The court had on Saturday, February 18 granted an ex-parte application by one Lieutenant Colonel Ajibadeck Benjamin Baba (Retd) for the arrest of the paramount chief.
The said arrest warrant was in connection with the purported enskinment of a new chief for Bawku on February 15 which government described as unlawful and condemned same.
Read also: New Bawku Naba: Court rescinds arrest warrant for the Overlord of Mamprugu