The King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii Kunuto Jewu Soale I, has directed the Brifo-Lobi Council of Elders to provide a number of items, including 100 cattle, GH¢100,000, seven rams, seven goats, seven white cocks, and seven bowls of white kola to perform purification rites for peace and reconciliation following the Gbeniyiri conflict in the Savannah Region.
The directive, announced at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo, is part of efforts to restore lasting peace between the Gonja and Brifo communities after violent clashes in August claimed more than 30 lives and destroyed several properties.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Yagbonwura, the Paramount Chief of the Kpembi Traditional Area, Kpembiwura Bismark Ndefuso, said the Brifo-Lobi Council has been given three weeks to present the items to the palace.
“These items are to be used to purify the land and symbolize genuine reconciliation. Their presentation will show that the Brifo-Lobi people have come to apologize to the King and the chiefs of Gonja,” Kpembiwura Ndefuso stated.
The announcement followed a visit by the Brifo-Lobi Council of Elders, led by Chairman Thomas Bebeh Sennor, who expressed remorse for the violence that erupted over a disputed parcel of land.
Reading a statement on behalf of the council, Pastor Paul Sansa appealed for forgiveness and commended the Yagbonwura for welcoming them despite the tension caused by the conflict.
“We are deeply sorry for the unfortunate incident at Gbeniyiri,” Pastor Sansa said. “We ask for the forgiveness of the King and the entire Gonja people, and we thank His Majesty for receiving us with kindness and understanding.”
Yagbonwura Bii Kunuto Jewu Soale I assured that after the purification ceremony, further discussions would be held to ensure lasting peace and coexistence between the two communities.
The Gbeniyiri conflict, which began as a land dispute, has been one of the most devastating clashes in the Savannah Region this year, prompting renewed calls for stronger traditional and community mediation to prevent future violence.
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