Yiidana chieftaincy dispute: Disputed chief, son shot dead in Gushegu

A disputed chief of Yiidana and his son have been shot dead after three gunmen reportedly attacked their family residence around midnight in the Gushegu Municipality of Ghana’s Northern Region.

Gushegu Municipal Chief Executive Abdul Hafiz Adam confirmed the deaths, saying the attackers stormed the residence and opened fire on the chief and his son.

The incident is believed to be linked to a long-running chieftaincy dispute between residents of Paboni and the Zantali-Lana traditional authority over who has the right to enskin a chief for Yiidana.

According to Mr Adam, the dispute began nearly four years ago when the Zantali-Lana attempted to install a chief in Yiidana. Residents of neighbouring Paboni objected, challenging the traditional authority’s jurisdiction over the community.

The matter was taken to the Yaa Naa’s Palace in Yendi, which ruled in favour of the Zantali-Lana. However, tensions continued, with previous clashes resulting in the destruction of property.

The conflict intensified when the Zantali-Lana proceeded with the enskinment of a chief. Although the ceremony was eventually completed, the newly installed chief was initially moved out of Yiidana due to security concerns.

Mr Adam said the chief’s family informed the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) about a month ago that they intended to return him to the community. Security officials reportedly advised the family to wait until a proper assessment had been conducted to determine whether adequate protection could be provided.

The family, however, proceeded with the chief’s return, after authorities eventually allowed it on the condition that peace would be maintained.

Following the latest attack, police and military personnel have been deployed to Yiidana to prevent further violence.

Mr Adam said the community was calm when he spoke, although residents had begun leaving their homes over fears of retaliatory attacks between the two rival families.

The bodies of the deceased remained in the community pending decisions by the Municipal and Regional Security Councils on burial arrangements. Authorities are also awaiting the arrival of the Northern Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council to assess the situation and determine further security measures.