The tranquil ambiance of the one-year anniversary celebration of Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Soale I in Damongo was marred by unexpected discord as political tensions reached a boiling point.
The event, which coincided with the Annual Congress of the Gonjaland Youth Association and the Guan Congress, witnessed a series of contentious moments, highlighting a rift between traditional authorities and political figures.
One of the key incidents involved a protocol dispute, where attempts were allegedly made to compel the Yagbonwura to stand up and greet President Nana Akuffo-Addo. Traditional authorities resisted these overtures, leading to a standoff between political and cultural protocols.
Hon. Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, and the NPP regional Chairman were reportedly involved in pressuring the Yagbonwura to greet the President, a move that was met with defiance from the traditional leadership.
Despite the Yagbonwura’s refusal, President Akuffo-Addo eventually approached him for greetings, albeit under strained circumstances.
The situation escalated further when Hon. Abu Jinapor, allegedly acting on the President’s instructions, abruptly seized the microphone and announced the President’s departure, disregarding the traditional protocols and leaving behind an atmosphere of unease.
In response, NDC functionaries called for former President Mahama to leave the event, but he maintained his composure and emphasized his respect for the traditional leadership.
Former President Mahama used the occasion to make pledges of infrastructure development, including the Damongo Water Project and regional hospitals, signaling his commitment to addressing the region’s needs if elected.
The incident has ignited debate over the balance between political protocol and respect for traditional authority, casting a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory occasion.
