Work begins on house for Gbi chief

A ceremony has been held to mark the construction of a new residence for the Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area at Hohoe.

The original residence of Togbega Gabusu VI was damaged during communal violence that erupted between the Zongo community and the indigenes of the traditional area at Hohoe in 2012.

A construction firm, C.W. Construction Works of Hohoe, is executing the GH¢254,561.25 project which is expected to be completed in six months.

Two persons lost their lives and several stores owned by the Zongo community were burnt in that conflict.

Background

Hostilities erupted between the two factions on June 11, 2012 as a result of the exhumation of the body of the Chief Imam of Hohoe Zongo, which was found lying by the side of the road that leads to Santrokofi.

The Zongo community, in a reprisal attack, invaded the residence of the paramount chief and burnt down three vehicles and some of his personal property, while stores belonging to members of the Zongo community were also razed.

A committee was subsequently set up to investigate the causes of the conflict and come out with recommendations to help prevent a recurrence.

Ceremony

Addressing the Gbi Traditional Council prior to the ceremony, the Volta Regional Minister,  Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, said one key recommendation made by the committee was the reconstruction of the residence of the paramount chief. He said the construction of the new residence was also in fulfilment of the government’s pledge and commended security personnel deployed to the area for maintaining law and order since the conflict erupted.

Togbega Gabusu

For his part, Togbega Gabusu VI expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown to him and his people by stakeholders during the crisis and thanked President Mahama for his concern and assurances.