Damongo (N/R), Feb. 24, GNA - Vice President John

Dramani Mahama on Wednesday called on Gonja chiefs and

traditional elders to desist from settling their scores in the law

courts, which he said was alien to the traditional practices of

Gonjaland. He said although the courts were an avenue for resolving

disputes, the Gonjas over the years had distanced themselves

from them because of the traditional bond they inherited from

their ancestors. Vice President Mahama made the call when he joined the

people of Gonjaland to celebrate the annual Damba Festival

and the commemoration of the first anniversary celebration of

Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I, King of

Gonjaland. The festival is used to commemorate the birth of Prophet

Muhammed and the renewal of the commitment and allegiance

of Gonjas chiefs and elders to Yagbonwura. He denounced the chieftaincy and land disputes emerging in

Gonjaland, saying Gonjas had over the years been recognised

and respected for their peaceful co-existence. Vice President Mahama said plans were advanced to use

the Stool Lands Commission to settle some of the disputes,

particularly the one between the Gonjas and Mamprusis. He said negotiations were underway to establish a Nursing

Training College in Bole and two teacher training colleges in

Gonjaland. Yagbonwura Jakpa said he would establish an educational

trust fund to provide educational opportunities to the youth in

the area. He appealed to the government to upgrade roads in the area

to facilitate the movement of goods and patients. The Yagbonwura said he would use his office to foster

unity and peace to promote massive socio-economic

development. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, was represented at

the function by Oheneba Adusei Poku, the Akyempimhene.