William Andani (2nd from right) addressing the media in Tamale
Sixteen years after the murder of the late Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani, the relatives of the late regent of Dagbon, have expressed disappointment in successive governments for failing to bring the perpetuators to book.
During a press conference as part of the 16th anniversary of the death of the late regent, the family of the late Yaa Naa expressed dissatisfaction with government and the committee of eminent chiefs, headed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which has been tasked to find a lasting solution to the dispute in Dagbon.
According to them, from all indications, the committee of eminent chiefs knows the perpetuators of the heinous crime but lacks the courage and political will to speak the truth.
The family of the late Yaa Naa stated that the failure of governments over the years to enforce the laws clearly indicates that crime pays in the country.
“It’s about time crime is treated as such with those who violate the law made to face the full rigors of the law, irrespective of their political affiliations.”
The Andani Family said the culture of violence and impunity is slowly gaining root in Dagbon as a result of the failure of successive governments to deliver justice and enforce the laws of the country.
They therefore urged government to live up to its responsibilities and ensure that those responsible for the murder of their father, the late Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani, are severely punished.
A statement signed by William Iddrisu Andani, spokesperson for the family, said development can only take place in a peaceful and stable environment.
“There must be justice and more importantly the culture of impunity must not be tolerated under any circumstance.”
He noted that the horrific act of state-sponsored terror unleashed on innocent civilians was never investigated, adding that nobody was held accountable for the grave crime committed 16 years ago.
From Eric Kombat, Tamale