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Stop Interfering in Roles: Bole-Bamboi MP Appeals to Traditional Rulers for Peace

Introduction

Conflict resolution and the maintenance of social order rely heavily on the clear delineation of responsibilities within a community. In the Savannah Region of Ghana, specifically within the Bole Traditional Area, a prominent political figure has called for a return to fundamental principles of governance to ensure stability. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bole-Bamboi, Yusif Sulemana, has issued a passionate appeal to traditional rulers, urging them to respect the boundaries of their respective roles. This call to action, made during the 2025 Vagla Youth Congress, highlights the critical link between role clarity, mutual respect, and sustainable peace in a region historically prone to land and tribal disputes. This article explores the details of this appeal, the context of recent conflicts, and the practical steps being advocated to foster harmony and development.

Key Points

Background

To understand the weight of the MP’s statement, one must look at the history of the Bole Traditional Area. The Savannah Region has long been a hotspot for complex land disputes and tribal tensions. These conflicts are not merely administrative; they have real-world consequences, often leading to violence that disrupts the social fabric and economic activities of the area.

A significant example cited by local leaders is the Gbeniyiri conflict. This dispute had severe repercussions, stalling development projects and educational activities across the Bole Traditional Area. When conflicts escalate to this level, the roles of traditional authorities become blurred, often leading to a vacuum in leadership or, conversely, overreach by various stakeholders. The Vagla Youth Association played a pivotal role in mitigating the Gbeniyiri crisis, demonstrating that youth groups are essential stakeholders in regional peacekeeping. However, the recurrence of such issues suggests a systemic problem regarding how authority and responsibility are distributed and respected among traditional rulers, landowners, and settlers.

Analysis

The Psychology of Role Interference

The core of Yusif Sulemana’s message—”Stop interfering in each and every different’s roles”—tackles a fundamental issue in organizational and community psychology: Role Ambiguity. When traditional rulers or community leaders interfere in duties that do not belong to them, it creates confusion, resentment, and inefficiency. For example, if a chief attempts to adjudicate a matter that falls under the jurisdiction of a landowner or a settled family, it undermines the legitimacy of the existing traditional structure.

Sulemana’s observation that “Everyone in the community has a role to play” is a pedagogical approach to governance. It teaches that peace is a collective responsibility built on the foundation of specialized respect. By acknowledging that “if you are a chief, respect the other chiefs,” he is advocating for a horizontal harmony that prevents infighting among the elite, which often trickles down to the general populace as violence.

Solutions over Complaints

Another layer of analysis is the MP’s praise for the Vagla Youth Congress for providing solutions rather than just highlighting problems. In many conflict zones, the discourse is dominated by grievances. However, the shift toward “practical solutions” marks a maturation of the local political discourse. This indicates that the community is moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one, seeking to implement wisdom rather than just voice dissatisfaction.

Practical Advice

Based on the directives from the Bole-Bamboi MP and the Vagla Youth Association, the following practical steps are recommended for communities seeking to replicate this model of peacebuilding:

1. Define Traditional Jurisdictions Clearly

Communities should facilitate town hall meetings to explicitly map out the duties of chiefs, landowners, and settler representatives. Written charters or communiqués, similar to the resolutions made at the Vagla Youth Congress, can serve as reference points to prevent future interference.

2. Institutionalize Youth Engagement

Youth groups should not be viewed merely as social clubs but as vital partners in governance. As seen with the Vagla Youth Association, these groups can act as mediators and implementers of peace initiatives. Leaders should regularly invite youth representatives to the negotiating table.

3. Invest in Education and Economic Alternatives

The donation of GH¢200,000 to the educational fund underscores a vital truth: ignorance and idleness fuel conflict. Communities must prioritize schooling to give the youth a stake in the future. Furthermore, as advised by the Vaglikori of Jintilpe, engaging in agriculture—utilizing the region’s vast arable land—provides a constructive alternative to drug abuse and violence.

4. Zero Tolerance for Drug Abuse

Leadership must actively campaign against substance abuse. The Vagla Youth President’s warning that drug abuse ruins futures is a call for community-wide intervention programs. Parents and traditional leaders must collaborate to monitor and guide the youth away from these destructive habits.

FAQ

Conclusion

The appeal by MP Yusif Sulemana serves as a crucial reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of order, respect, and defined responsibilities. By urging traditional rulers to stop interfering in each other’s roles, he is addressing the root causes of instability in the Bole Traditional Area. The integration of youth voices, educational investment, and economic diversification through agriculture paints a comprehensive picture of a community striving for a peaceful future. For the Savannah Region to thrive, the wisdom offered at the 2025 Vagla Youth Congress must be translated into daily practice by every stakeholder.