A high-powered government delegation led by Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul faced a setback in their efforts to lift the ban on Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The delegation was asked to return at a later date by the Yagbonwura, as reported by Onuaonline.com.
The delegation, which included Chieftaincy Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng and the Savannah Regional Minister, visited the Yagbonwura’s palace with hopes of resolving the situation. However, the Yagbonwura requested their return at a later time, citing his upcoming travel plans to the Mamprugu Kingdom and the need to consult with his paramount chiefs.
“Yagbonwura told the delegation he will be traveling to the Mamprugu Kingdom on Sunday in yet another historic visit and also he said he will have to meet them with his paramount chiefs and so they should go and come later,” a source at the Jakpa Palace reported.
This development follows earlier attempts by the National House of Chiefs and the Council of State to mediate the situation. The ban on Samuel Abu Jinapor, imposed by Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Soale Jewi, the King of the Gonja Kingdom, on July 21, 2024, restricts him from entering any palace in Gonjaland. The ban was instituted due to allegations of insubordination, disrespect, and abuse of government powers.
In response to the ban, Jinapor issued a public apology, referring to the Yagbonwura as both a grandfather and father, in an attempt to mend relations.
The postponement of the delegation’s visit underscores the complexity of the issue and the significance of traditional protocols in resolving such matters. The government’s efforts to address the ban will continue as they seek an appropriate resolution in collaboration with the traditional authorities of the Gonja Kingdom.