THE AGBOGBLOSHIE PEACE COMMITTEE (APC) AND GIZ E-WASTE PROGRAMME PEACE MISSION TO DAGBON
Following the recommendations of the Council of Dagomba Chiefs of Accra and the Consultants from the Mountain Research Institute, the Agbogbloshie Peace Committee (APC) led by Chief Abdallah Amidu (APC Chairman) paid a historic visit to some important and influential chiefs in the Dagbon Kingdom. The peace Committee was accompanied by representative of the GIZ E-waste Programme (Mr.. Richard Afoblikame and later joined by Mr.. Markus Spitzbart) and the consultants from the Mountain Research Institute (Dr. Sampson Atiemo and Mr.Eric Arthur). Whiles in Tamale the team was further joined by Alhaji One One, (an influential elder of Dagbon and a member of the Peace Council) and a representative from the Tamale Central mosque.
The delegation visited thirteen (13) very important palaces in Tamale, Kumbungu, Savelugu, Tolon, Yendi, Dakpe and SagNaarigu. The delegation is grateful to the GIZ E-waste programme for the keen interest in the Peace process and also for providing the fiNaancial and logistical resources for the historic trip to Dagbon Kingdom. The following report details the visit to the main Palaces palace and the outcomes
The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Tolon Naaa Major Rtd Abubakari SulemaNaa at his palace in Tolon. The object was to introduce the committee to him and seek his support to end the conflict among scrap dealers at Old Fadama. The delegation led by the Chairman of the Old Fadama Peace Committee, Chief Abdallah Amidu, arrived at the Tolon Naa’s Palace at 8:50am and was ushered into the palace to meet the chief and his council of elders. Abdul Razak Kassim, a member of the delegation, offered prayers to open proceedings, followed by the exchange of pleasantries and the traditioNaal offering of cola. The chief’s linguist, Zagyuri Naa Ziblim Yakubu, spoke briefly on the mission of the delegation. He indicated that, this was a peace mission by the children of the Tolon Naa, who came from Accra to seek his support to end the Agbogbloshie conflict. The Tolon Naa, described the Agbogbloshie conflict as an embarrassing situation for the entire Dagbon.
He noted that, the conflict has come about as a result of the failure of Dagomba youth in Agbogbloshie to respect tradition and by extension Dagbon elders. He explained that, Dagombas are people ruled by tradition and therefore conflicts among them can only be resolved through tradition. Tolon Naa, used the Dagbon peace process as an example, indicating that, when stakeholders accepted to follow tradition by performing the funerals of the late Kings, it paved the way for the enskinment of a new King and the return of peace to Dagbon. Chief Major Rtd SulemaNaa, commended GIZ and the Peace Committee for recognizing the importance of chiefs in the bringing peace to Agbogboshie and pledged his persoNaal support to the committee. He said he is always available for consultation. He told the delegation to send the message back to Dagombas in Accra that, the era of Abudu and Andani conflict is over and that there is a new dawn in Dagbon. He indicated that, the Yaa Naa and Dagbon chiefs are in a hurry to reverse the socioeconomic impact of the nearly two decades of the chieftaincy conflict. He used the occasion to remind Dagombas in Accra that, they were there to make a livelihood and therefore, they should concentrate on that and eschew all forms of conflicts which he noted retards development
A technical Advisor to GIZ, Richard Afoblikame told the chief, that the GIZ as part of its InstitutioNaal Capacity Building initiative, decided to help scrap dealers at Agbogbloshie, but realized the conflict among the scrap dealers was a major stumbling block, hence the effort to end the impasse. He disclosed that, the GIZ has built a clinic, a football field and a technical center for the scrap dealers at Old Fadama. He then introduced Dr. Atiemo as the consultant on the project.
Dr. Atiemo thanked the chief for his warm welcome. He explained that, anytime there is a change of power, there is always conflict among the scrap dealers. He noted that, as a result of the conflict, the scrap dealers are not getting their fair share of the NaatioNaal cake, that the dealers will not realize their main objective for coming to Accra, which is to make money for themselves and their families, unless there is total peace. Dr. Atiemo explained that, the formation of the peace committee for Old Fadama is key to addressing the conflict, and appealed to the Tolon chief to use his vast experience and connections to help the committee realize its dreams. The Chairman of the peace committee pleaded with the chiefs to support the committee. He urged the chiefs to be firm and not provide a refuge for anyone who foments trouble at Old Fadama and runs home for cover.
- VISIT TO THE SAGNERI Naa’S PALACE AT SAGNaaRIGU
The delegation met the Sagneri Naa and his council of elders, welcomed the delegation with the cola offering, which traditioNaally symbolizes, peace and friendship. He welcomed the peace initiative and commended GIZ and the peace committee for the decision to tap into the experience of chiefs in Dgabon to resolve the issue. He recalled that, he persoNaally intervened to reduce tension at Old Fadama in 2017 and welcomed the initiative to end the issue once and for all. The Sagneri Naa noted that, poverty is the common enemy for all Dagombas. He added that, poverty has no political colours and does not treat an NDC party follower different from an NPP party follower. According to him, unity and peace have proven to be the bedrock of development all over the world and that the earlier Dagombas realize this the better for them. He expressed the hope that, the issue will soon be addressed since the principal actors have recognize the need to end the impasse. The Sagneri Naa also expressed delight in the composition of the committee since it is made up of the leadership of the various factions.
The Sagneri Naa expressed concern over the spread of rumor and falsehood. He noted that, the advent of social media has worsened the situation and urged the committee to be mindful of the negative effect of social media in their efforts to bring lasting peace.
The chief also asked the committee to document the issues at stake and spell out the efforts being made, to serve as a reference for all. He said the committee should keep the communication channels between them and chiefs in Dagbon opened.
He assured the delegation that, returning total peace to Old Fadama is possible and that, the chiefs of Dagbon are committed to exporting the return of peace to the Kingdom to their sons and daughters around the world including Old Fadama. The Sagneri Naa added that, he and his elders will offer the necessary sacrifices and pray to God to support their effort to bring lasting peace. The community chairman for Old Fadama, Wofa Yaw Asare, appealed to the Sagneri Naa and chiefs in Dagbon, to rally the youth of the Kingdom, to usher in a new era of development in peace. He said, it is important to send the message to every Dagomab that the conflict in Dagbon is over and former allegiances to Abudu and Andani are no more. He also appealed to the chiefs to write and warn political parties to stay out of Agbogbloshie. Mr. HaruNaa Dramani assured the chief of their commitment to peace and appealed for the support and intervention of their elders back home to help bring the recalcitrant ones among them to order.
Dr. Atiemo recounted his encounter with the Old Fadama scrap dealers, saying he has been working with some of them for nearly a decade. He spoke about efforts to end the conflict and bring lasting peace to the area and sought the intervention of the Sagneri Naa and Dagbon chiefs. He said GIZ is willing to support, but without the commitment and support of Dagbon Chiefs, the peace committee alone will not succeed.
- VISIT TO THE YOO Naa’s PALACE AT SAVELUGU
The delegation were welcomed into Yoo Naa’s Palace and prayers was led by Alhaji One One. He asked for Allah’s mercy for the chiefs and elders of Dagbon. He also prayed for the Peace Committee and the GIZ, asking Allah to strengthen them to achive their objective of bringing lasting peace to Old Fadama.
The Yoo Naa’s linguist briefed him on the mission of the delegation, saying his children need his support to settle a long-standing conflict that has brought shame to Dagombas across the country. He revealed that, the delegation visited other chiefs in Dagbon and will be visiting more including the Yaa Naa the following day. The Chief said he has received numerous complaints about the conduct of the scrap dealers at Old Fadama. He revealed that, he held a meeting with the then Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Nii Lamptey Vanderpuye to find an amicable solution to the matter. The Yoo Naa, questioned the benefit of the conflict to the feuding factions, saying that, poverty chased them out of their homes in Dagbon and therefore, their focus should be on fighting poverty not their brothers and sisters.
He reiterated that, the Abudu and Andani feud is over and therefore, anyone who still holds onto such allegiances stands alone. He commended the GIZ for its role in the northern region in general and the intervention in Old Fadama in particular in making life meaningful for the people.
The Yoo Naa, pledged his persoNaal support to the peace committee, but entreated them to liaise with political heads in Accra such as the Mayor and other heads of assemblies to support their efforts. He also urged the factions to avoid rumor mongering since it has the tendency to divide them. Dr. Atiemo thanked the Yoo Naa for the opportunity to have audience with him and seek his support for the peace efforts at Old Fadama. He said the Old Fadama became the battlefield Dagombas, who exploited the Abudu and Andani feud to fight proxy wars in the community. He expressed delight that, the feuding factions have understood and accepted the need for peace in the community. He reiterated that, the support of the chiefs of Dagbon is crucial in sustaining the peace and pleaded with the chief to keep his doors opened to the committee. Dr. Atiemo told the chief that, GIZ has put up a clinic and a football field for the community and is working to build their capacities in the scrap business. He noted that, without peace, development in the community will not be possible. He therefore pleaded with the Yoo Naa to take a keen interest in Old Fadama and provide guidance and support for the peace committee. The Peace Committee chairman, Chief Abdallah Amidu, assured the Yoo Naa of the commitment of the peace committee and the youth of Old Fadama to end the impasse. He however expressed worry that, there are a few recalcitrant members of the community who are against the peace effort and appealed to the Yoo Naa to help reign in such individuals. Both the NPP and NDC party chairmen for Old Fadama took turns to assure the chief that they are ready to cooperate to bring lasting peace to the community.
- VISIT TO THE DIYALI Naa’s PALACE AT DIYALI
The Chairman of the Old Fadama Peace Committee, Chief Abdallah Amidu, led a delegation to the Diyali Chief’s Palace, to meet the Diyali chief. The mission was to introduce the Peace Committee to the Diyali chief and to seek his support to address the Old Fadama conflict
The delegation was ushered into the palace at 5:15pm. The Chief and his elders were seated waiting for the arrival of their guest from Accra. There was an opening prayer by Alhaji One One, a respected and influential elder in Dagbon. This was followed by the sharing of cola, a traditioNaal way of welcoming visitors into the palace. The Chairman of the Peace Committee, Chief Abdallah Amidu, thanked the chief for the opportunity to have audience with him. He introduced members of the committee to the chief and his council. He stated that, for years now, scrap dealers at Old Fadama have not known peace. According to chief Abdallah, the conflict has dragged on for a very long time and has affected their socio-economic activities.
He explained that with the support of the GIZ, a peace committee has been formed to end the impasse once and for all. Their mission at the Diyali Palace was to introduce the committee to him and to solicit his support to address the conflict. Chief welcomed the initiative and noted that, it is a threat to the peace and security of Dagbon and must therefore be addressed with all the seriousness. He said the committee has started on the right path and seeking the support of the chiefs of Dagbon is in the right direction. Chief expressed concern about the level of poverty in the Dagbon Kingdom. He suggested that, the youth of Dagbon must come together to set a development agenda to transform the Kingdom. He noted that, their allegiances should be to Dagbon as party politics will lead them to success. Chief commended the GIZ and the Peace Committee for their efforts and made a persoNaal pledge to support the peace effort.
Dr. Atiemo, thanked the Diyali chief for the warm reception and informed him that, the delegation had already visited other chiefs in Dagbon and will also call of the Ya Naa. He said the commitment of the chiefs in ensuring lasting peace at Agbogbloshie is key. He noted that, with time, the GIZ will leave the area, and the chiefs will have to take a keen interest in the affairs of the community. He pleaded with the chief to support the committee with his wisdom and influence to eNaable them achieve their objectives
- VISIT TO DAKPEMA PALACE
The Chairman of the Old Fadama Peace Committee, Chief Abdallah Amidu led members of the peace committee to the Dakpema palace. The exchange of greetings and sharing of Kola were followed by the introduction of members of the delegation. The Chairman of the Peace Committee informed the Dakpema about the conflict at Old Fadama. He said the feud has affected their businesses and that with the support of GIZ, the factions are working together to bring lasting peace. Chief Abdallah noted that, without the support of the chiefs of Dagbon, the peace process will not work, hence their decision to seek the support of the Dakpema and other prominent chiefs of Dagbon. The Dakpema described the impasse as “madness” and a total departure from the way their predecessors conducted themselves at Old Fadama and other migrant communities. He disclosed that, he was once a resident of Old Fadama and knows all the members of the committee. He also stated that, he is aware of the underlining cause of the conflict and promised to persoNaally intervene to bring lasting peace.
The Dakpema announced his plans to visit Old Fadama to sit with the feuding factions to find an amicable solution to the matter. Dr. Atiemo thanked the Dakpema for his assurances, particularly his resolve to visit the community. He said Old Fadama has potentials for growth, but that will not materialize in an atmosphere of conflict and insecurity. He noted that, though GIZ has built a clinic and a school for the community, residents cannot benefit fully from it if they continue to fight among themselves. He expressed delight at the Dakpema’s forthrightness, calling a spade a spade. He said he will consider titling his report; “the madness must stop” in reference to the Dakpema’s description of the conflict as “madness”. Alhaji One One added that the biggest challenges confronting Dagombas back home and those in Accra and other places is the spreading of lies. He therefore entreated the chiefs, to be forthright with the factions and speak to the truth, point out right from wrong without fear or favour.
- VISIT TO THE GUKPE Naa’S PALACE
Chief Abdallah Amidu led a delegation comprising members of the Old Fadama Peace Committee, some Giz staff and consultant as well as two Dagbon elders to the Gukpe Naa’s Palace to introduce the peace committee to him and seek his support for the peace restoration efforts. The Gukpe Naa had travelled out of the region for an important assignment. However, one of his sub-chiefs, Dingon Naa Ibrahima Mahama, sat in for him. There was exchange of greetings and sharing of cola to welcome the delegation.
The Dingon Naa, who received the delegation, expressed concern over a perception among some Dagbon youth that, persons who belong to opposing political parties are enemies. Dingon now used the JiNaapor family at Buipe as an example of 3 brothers who belong to different political parties, but live together in the same household. He advised the youth of Dagbon to take a cue from the three brothers and unite for the common good of the Kingdom.
Dr. Atiemo thanked the chief and his elders for the warm reception. He explained that, the restoration of peace in Dagbon will be meaningless unless it is extended to Old Fadama. He said the feuding factions are fed up with the perennial conflict and therefore need the support of Dagbon chiefs to realize their goal. He entreated the chief to use his influence to help bring lasting peace to the area.
- VISIT TO THE KUMBUNG Naa’s PALACE
The Peace committee called on the Kumbungu Naa to enlist his support and guidance to return peace to Old Fadama. UnfortuNaately, the delegation met the chief’s absence and were therefore led to one of the Kumbung Naa’s sub-chiefs, Kpihigu Naa Ibrahim Muhammed at Kumbungu
The Chairman of the peace committee, Chief Abdallah Amidu, introduced members of the committee to the chief and his elders. He reiterated the need for a lasting solution to the Old Fadama conflict. He said the factions are committed to returning peace to the community and pointed out that, the presence of the NPP and NDC chairmen among the delegation attests to their willingness to move on.
He therefore appealed to the chief for his support and guidance to make it happen. Dr. Atiemo told the Kpihigu Naa about the collaboration between the GIZ and the Peace Committee. He said the GIZ has put up a clinic and a football pitch in support of the scrap dealers. He indicated that, the GIZ is working to build the capacities of the scrap dealers to improve their livelihood, however, these efforts will not yield the needed result if there is no peace and security. He therefore pleaded with the chief to make the return of peace to Old Fadama a persoNaal project.
The Kpihigu Naa, commended the GIZ and the Peace Committee for the efforts, saying, with the return of peace to Dagbon, chiefs in Dagbon are concerned about how to reconstruct the image of Dagbon. He noted that, the frequent conlicts at Old Fadama are a disgrace and pledged his support to the committee. The Kpihigu Naa also assured the delegation that, the message will be delivered to the Kumbungu Naa on his return.
- VISIT TO MIONLANaa’S PALACE
The delegation arrived at the MionlaNaa’s Palace at 5pm and were ushered into the palace where the MionlaNaa and his elders were waiting. There was an opening prayer by Alhaji One One and a representative from the Tamale Central Mosque.
This was followed by the sharing of cola and the introduction of the Peace Committee. Alhaji One One informed the MionlaNaa about the mission of the delegation. He said the main objective is to seek the MionlaNaa’s support for the peace committee to eNaable it play its role in resolving the conflict at Agbogbloshie.
The MionlaNaa (a sub-chief of Mion) showed a picture of the MionlaNaa and the Yoo Naa, seated together. The picture is significant because, the MionlaNaa and the Yoo Naa were the unofficial heads of the Abudu and Andani divisions and were never seen together in public throughout the 17 years of the Dagbon crisis.
The MionlaNaa told the delegation to send the message back to Old Fadama that, the Abudu-Andani feud is over. He said he and the Yoo Naa are focused on how to help the Yaa Naa to bring development to Dagbon. He said anyone who goes around holding unto the old Abudu-Andani divisions and fights does so at his or her own detriment.
The MionlaNaa revealed that, he is aware of the feud, adding that, it is an embarrassment to export their troubles at home. He pledged his support to the committee to eNaable the committee to achieve its objectives. The Technical Advisor for the GIZ, Richard Afoblikame informed the MiolaNaa, about the collaboration between Germany and GhaNaa to support the informal sector in GhaNaa. According to him, the German government through the GIZ is undertaking an InstitutioNaal Capacity Building initiative to help scrap dealers at Agbogbloshie, but realized the conflict among the scrap dealers was a major stumbling block, hence the effort to end the impasse. He disclosed that, the GIZ has built a clinic, a football field and a technical center for the scrap dealers at Old Fadama. He emphasized that, the peace of Old Fadama is key to the development of the community. Dr. Atiemo on his part, commended the MionlaNaa and his elders for the warm reception. He said he was particularly happy to meet the MionlaNaa in person for the first time, having seen him on television for many years. Dr. Atiemo recounted how he met the feuding factions about a decade ago and took a keen interest in the activities of scrap the dealers at Old Fadama. He explained that, anytime there is a change of power, there is always conflict among the scrap dealers. He noted that, as a result of the conflict, the scrap dealers are not getting their fair share of the NaatioNaal cake, that the dealers will not realize their main objective for coming to Accra, which is to make money for themselves and their families, unless there is total peace. Dr. Atiemo emphasized that, the GIZ will one day leave the community and therefore the commitment of Dagbon chiefs is crucial in sustaining the peace.
VISIT TO YENDI
The Peace Committee on the third day of their courtesy calls on Dagbon chiefs, were joined by the Head of E-waste MaNaagement at the GIZ, Markus Spitzbart. The delegation arrived in Yendi (capital of the Dagbon TraditioNaal area and seat of the Yaa Naa) on the Thursday, December 5th, 2019.
- VISIT TO ZOHE NaaA PALACE
The delegation first called on the Zohe Naaa at his palace to introduce the committee to him and to seek his support for the peace process. After observing the traditioNaal protocols of greetings and cola sharing, Chief Abdallah Amidu, laid before the chief the mission of the committee. He explained that, Dagombas at Old Fadama left Dagbon to seek livelihood. He said unfortuNaately, they have been at each other for years, divided by the chieftaincy and politics.
Chief Amidu said the feuding factions have now realized the need to reconcile and bring lasting peace. This resolve culmiNaated in the formation of the committee with the help of GIZ. He further stated that, despite their efforts, there are a few among them who are recalcitrant and therefore the support of the chiefs of Dagbon will be key to rein such individuals in.
The Zohe Naa commended the delegation for the positive initiative. He said the decision to consult the chiefs of Dagbon is in the right direction. He said every Dagomba should be proud of the recent developments in the area. He said, a few years ago, everyone doubted the ability of the chiefs and people of the area to find lasting peace following the events of 2002. But the dream of lasting peace and security has been achieved and everyone is focused on socioeconomic development. The Zohe Naaa entreated the committee to take a cue from what has happened in Dagbon, and trust in God that their objectives will be achieved. He pledged his support and commitment to efforts to bring lasting peace to Old Fadama.
Dr. Atiemo on his part thanked the chief for the warm welcome. He said he has known some of the members of the committee for over a decade. That, they are hardworking individuals trying to make a living. UnfortuNaately, the conflict remains a threat to all of them. Dr. Atiemo appealed to the Zohe Naaa, to use his influence to support the peace committee to bring lasting peace to the area.
- VISIT TO THE KUGA Naa’s PALACE
The Kuga Naa is the Kingmaker for Dagbon, he consults with the gods and ancestors to determine their choice for the position of a Ya Naa. Following the unfortuNaate events of the year 2002, the Kuga Naa acted as the President of the Dagbon TraditioNaal Council until the enskinment of the Kampakuya Naa (current Yoo Naa). He is therefore one of the most influential chiefs in Dagbon. The Old Fadama Peace Committee led by its Chairman, Abdallah Amidu, visited the Kuga Naa at his Palace in Yendi. The mission was to introduce the committee to the chief and solicit his assistance in bringing lasting peace to Old Fadama.
Following the opening prayer, exchange of greetings and sharing of cola, the chairman introduced his members to the chief. He explained that, the German government through the GIZ has undertaken to support scrap dealers at Old Fadama. He said so far, they have built a clinic and a football pitch for the community. He noted however that, the feud between political factions in the community, remains a major threat to development. He and his team are visiting the palace to introduce the committee to the Kuga Naa and seek his blessing for their peace efforts.
The Kuga Naa expressed delight at the initiative, saying he feels embarrassed anytime he hears that there is a fight among Dagombas at Old Fadama. He emphasized that, the feud in Dagbon which created the chieftaincy and political divisions to fuel the fighting in Old Fadama is over. According to the Kuga Naa, the youth at Old Fadama must realize the new direction that Dagbon is moving and come along to make the area prosperous. He noted that, it is impossible for all of them to belong to one party and therefore they should appreciate divergent opinions and work together to make Dagbon prosperous. He commended the German government for the support to improve the lives of his “children.” The Kuga Naa said his doors are opened to the committee and pledged his support to help them achieve their objectives.
Dr. Atiemo thanked the Kuga Naa and entreated him to rally other chiefs of Dagbon to help make the dream of a lasting peace at Old Fadama a reality. He explained that, the GIZ will not be at Old Fadama forever, and that since the youth respect and listen to their chiefs, it is crucial for the Kuga Naa and other chiefs in Dagbon to keep a keen eye on developments at Old Fadama. He appealed to the chief support the efforts of the peace committee to bring lasting peace and enhance their economic activities at Old Fadama.
- VISIT TO THE GBEWAA PALACE
The Gbewaa Palace at Yendi is the seat of the King of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa. He is the traditioNaal leader of the Dagomba people. The current Yaa Naa, Abubakari Mahama was enskinned nine months ago following the performance of the funerals of Naaa Mahamadu Abdulai and Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani.
On December 5, 2019, the Chairman of the Old Fadama Peace Committee Chief Abdallah Amidu, led committee members, some GIZ staff and jourNaalists to the Gbawaa Palace. The delegation received a warm welcome at the Gbewaa Palace. After observing the traditioNaal protocols of greetings and exchange of cola, the Yaa Naa’s linguist informed him about the mission of the delegation. He explained that, the delegation with the support of the GIZ has embarked on a mission to bring lasting peace to Old Fadama. He stated that, a committee was formed to spearhead the peace process and that committee thought it wise to pay a courtesy call on the overlord and to enlist his support for the peace efforts.
The Chairman of the Peace Committee was invited to introduce his members to the Yaa Naa and his council of elders. Chief Abdallah further explained to the Yaa Naaa, about some activities that the peace committee has undertaken so far, including meetings and a documentation of the committees’ activities. He said the feuding factions have shown a lot of commitment to convince him that, they are fed up with the conflict and therefore want a resolution. Chief Abdallah therefore appealed to their “grandfather’ the Yaa Naa, to support the peace initiative and persoNaally intervene to bring lasting peace to Old Fadama.
The Yaa Naa on his part emphasized the importance of patience and trust in the will of Allah. He said, without patience, humans are bound to fall into conflict and cause destruction. He also noted that, conflict does not bring any good except destruction. He used Dagbon as an example to show the damage caused by the many years of conflict, describing the period of conflict as wasted years. The Yaa Naa said the Dagbon conflict has reversed development in the area for nearly two decades. He said many of the people at Agbogbloshie are there because of the conflict back home. He is therefore surprised that, instead of concentrating on seeking livelihood, they are busy fighting along chieftaincy and political lines. The Yaa Naa urged the delegation to send the message back to the feuding factions that, the Abudu and Andani feud in Dagbon is dead and buried and therefore whoever continues to hold onto such allegiances is wasting his time. The Yaa Naa reiterated the fact that, Dagbon needs the unity of its sons and daughters around the world to work in unison to bring about socio-economic transformation. He commended the GIZ and the Peace Committee for taking up the responsibility to restore peace to Old Fadama. He said he and his sub-chiefs will work together to ensure the peace and security of Dagombas at Old Fadama and around the world and pledged his support to the committee.
The Head of E-waste MaNaagement at GIZ, Markus Spitzbart, informed the Yaa Naa about their plans to transform Old Fadama and make it a module for the rest of West Africa. He said they are working to build the capacities of the scrap dealers and improve their lives. Mr. Markus is however worried that, due to the growing importance of Old Fadama as an e-waste hub in the sub-region, there is a lot of media attention on the community. He said it is therefore important to ensure that there is total peace in the community. Mr. Markus appealed to the Yaa to support the peace committee to succeed.
Dr. Atiemo added his voice and appealed to the Yaa Naa to help his “grandchildren” to carry the load. He said the Old Fadama is growing into an important economic hub, that they can do far better than they currently are doing, but without peace, they cannot realize their potentials.