Yamfo Traditional Council petitions President Mahama over safety danger at College of Health
Introduction
The Yamfo Traditional Council has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama regarding a critical safety danger at the College of Health–Yamfo. The petition highlights escalating tensions surrounding the controversial appointment of Dr. Christopher Beyere as the new Director of the institution. According to the Council, the situation has reached a boiling point, with allegations of forced entry, the presence of hired enforcers, and a blatant disregard for local authority. This conflict not only threatens the stability of the academic institution but also poses a significant risk of communal unrest in the Techiman South area.
At the heart of this dispute is the clash between the Ministry of Health’s administrative decisions and the traditional governance structures of the Yamfo community. The Council argues that the silence from the government has allowed a volatile environment to fester, necessitating direct intervention from the highest office of the land to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Key Points
- Petition to the Presidency: The Yamfo Traditional Council has appealed to President Mahama to intervene in the security crisis at the College of Health–Yamfo.
- Controversial Appointment: The conflict stems from the Ministry of Health’s decision to replace Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim with Dr. Christopher Beyere, a move rejected by students, staff, and traditional leaders.
- Alleged Forced Entry: The Council accuses Dr. Beyere of entering the campus on December 18 accompanied by “machomen” and attempting to break into the Director’s office and residence.
- Police Warnings: Law enforcement officials reportedly warned of a high security risk and potential violence if Dr. Beyere attempted to force his way onto the campus.
- Declaration of Unwelcome: Dr. Beyere has been formally banned from the Yamfo community and the college premises, with the Council disclaiming responsibility for his safety if he defies the order.
Background
The Administrative Shift
The current crisis began when the Ministry of Health officially transferred the incumbent Director of the College of Health–Yamfo, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim. In his place, the Ministry presented Dr. Christopher Beyere, who is also the 2024 parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Techiman South, as the new Director.
Widespread Rejection
Since the announcement, there has been unified resistance against Dr. Beyere’s appointment. Various stakeholders, including the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) of the NDC, student bodies, staff unions, and youth groups, have publicly rejected the new leadership. They are calling for the retention of Dr. Ibrahim, citing his performance and the stability he brings to the institution. The Traditional Council has stood firmly with these groups, viewing the imposition of Dr. Bey as an affront to the community’s interests.
Exhaustion of Dialogue
According to the petition signed by Nana Ansah Adu-Baah III, the Omanhene of the Yamfo Traditional Area, the Council has exhausted all formal channels of communication. They have submitted multiple resolutions, notices, and petitions to the Ministry of Health. However, the Council laments that these efforts have been met with silence, with no response or engagement from the Ministry, leaving the community feeling ignored and vulnerable.
Analysis
Security Implications and Police Involvement
The situation has moved beyond a mere administrative dispute to a matter of national security. The petition details that the Traditional Council engaged with the police regarding the heightened security threat. The police command acknowledged the volatility of the situation, explicitly stating that a formal security report would be submitted to the Ministry of Health. Crucially, law enforcement warned that if Dr. Beyere attempted to force his presence on the campus, it could trigger severe disturbances and conflict.
Allegations of Violence and Property Damage
Despite these warnings, the petition alleges that on Thursday, December 18, Dr. Beyere returned to the school accompanied by a group described as “machomen” (thugs) and task force staff. The Council claims that these individuals forcibly broke into the Director’s office. Furthermore, there was an alleged attempt to break into the Director’s official residence. The attempt reportedly failed only because the residence was secured by heavy gates and door locks.
Violation of Community Rights
The Traditional Council views these actions as a “serious breach of the peace, property rights, and public order.” It is important to note that the College of Health–Yamfo is viewed by the community not just as a government institution, but as infrastructure wholly owned and protected by the Yamfo community. Therefore, any unauthorized entry is seen as a violation of the community’s sovereignty.
Legal and Traditional Consequences
The Council has taken a hardline stance to establish legal and traditional boundaries. By formally notifying Dr. Beyere that he is unwelcome, the Council is exercising its customary authority. They have warned that any further attempt to enter the community or the school against the expressed will of the traditional authority will be considered “planned provocation.”
Significantly, the Council has withdrawn all customary responsibility for any consequences that may arise from Dr. Beyere’s defiance. This is a traditional legal maneuver indicating that if any harm befalls Dr. Beyere or if violence erupts due to his actions, the Council holds the state—and Dr. Beyere himself—accountable, not the community.
Practical Advice
For Staff and Students
In light of the escalating tension, the Yamfo Traditional Council has issued specific guidance to the college community:
- Boycott Unofficial Gatherings: The Council has declared a scheduled “staff durbar” by Dr. Beyere as unauthorized. Staff members are strongly advised to boycott this gathering and any similar events held within the Yamfo network until the dispute is resolved through dialogue.
- Stay Informed: Students and staff should monitor official communications from the Traditional Council and credible news sources to avoid misinformation.
- Prioritize Safety: If tensions rise, individuals should avoid the immediate vicinity of confrontations and report any security threats to the local police command.
For Stakeholders and the Ministry of Health
To de-escalate the situation, the following steps are recommended:
- Urgent Dialogue: The Ministry of Health must break its silence and engage directly with the Yamfo Traditional Council to address the grievances regarding the appointment process.
- Suspension of Implementation: A temporary suspension of the directive to install Dr. Beyere is necessary to allow for cooling-off periods and negotiations.
- Respect for Customary Authority: Administrative decisions affecting community-based institutions must be made with the consultation and buy-in of traditional leaders to prevent future conflicts.
FAQ
Why is the Yamfo Traditional Council petitioning President Mahama?
The Council is petitioning the President because they believe the Ministry of Health has ignored their previous appeals regarding the appointment of Dr. Christopher Beyere. They fear the situation is leading to a breakdown of law and order and requires presidential intervention to resolve.
Who is Dr. Christopher Beyere?
Dr. Christopher Beyere is the 2024 parliamentary candidate for the NDC in Techiman South. He was recently appointed by the Ministry of Health as the new Director of the College of Health–Yamfo, a move that has been strongly rejected by the local community and college stakeholders.
What specific incidents triggered the petition?
The immediate trigger was an incident on December 18, where Dr. Beyere allegedly returned to the campus with “machomen” and task force staff. The petition claims they forcibly broke into the Director’s office and attempted to break into the Director’s residence.
What is the stance of the?
The police have acknowledged the high security risk and reportedly warned that Dr. Beyere’s attempt to force his way onto the campus could lead to violence. They have committed to submitting a formal security report to the Ministry of Health.
What are the consequences if Dr. Beyere continues to force his entry?
The Yamfo Traditional Council has warned that any further attempt to enter the community or college will be viewed as “planned provocation.” They have withdrawn customary protection for Dr. Beyere and stated that the state will be fully responsible for his safety and any ensuing chaos.
Conclusion
The petition from the Yamfo Traditional Council to President Mahama underscores a deep-seated conflict that goes beyond a simple leadership change. It represents a struggle for community rights, traditional authority, and the safety of the College of Health–Yamfo. With allegations of forced entry and the presence of hired enforcers, the situation has become a pressing security concern.
Unless the Ministry of Health and the Presidency intervene swiftly to facilitate dialogue and respect the concerns of the Yamfo community, the risk of violent confrontation remains high. The Council’s firm stance and withdrawal of customary protection for Dr. Beyere signal that the community is prepared to resist any further attempts to impose leadership by force.
Sources
- Life Pulse Daily (Original Report)
- Official Petition from the Yamfo Traditional Council
- Statements from the Office of the Omanhene of Yamfo
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