The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has issued a scathing response to what it describes as “false, inflammatory, and unjust” comments made by Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, regarding the recent Gbiniyiri conflict in the Savannah Region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Damongo on Tuesday, 9th September, 2025, GLYA President Alhassan Baba Darison condemned remarks made by Dr. Boakye-Danquah during a live panel discussion on Channel One TV’s News Review segment, where he claimed that “it is the Gonja guys that are doing this… they have rifles, they have ammunition,” and called for a “total state of emergency in the entire Savannah Region.”
“These are not just irresponsible and unverified statements,” Darison declared. “They are ethnically divisive and potentially dangerous. Dr. Boakye-Danquah has chosen to malign an entire people without a shred of credible evidence.”
This marks the second press engagement by the GLYA on the matter, following a previous call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue in Sawla last week.
The GLYA sought to correct what it called a “gross distortion of historical facts,” outlining that the Gbiniyiri conflict did not begin as an inter-ethnic or militarized confrontation but as a local dispute between two individuals from the Brifo-Lobi community. According to the Association, the situation escalated only after a violent and coordinated attack on the Gbiniyiri Chief’s palace, an attack that left three unarmed Gonja youth, including the son of the Kalbawura, dead.
“The narrative being pushed by so-called security experts like Dr. Boakye-Danquah is not only misleading,” Darison said, “but also disrespects the dignity and restraint with which the Gonja people have responded to provocations.”
Providing historical background, the GLYA reminded the public that the Brifo-Lobi people were granted refuge in Gonjaland a century ago, after fleeing persecution in then French-ruled Côte d’Ivoire. Yagbonwura Mahama Dagbonga, the Gonja King at the time, offered them protection, fertile land, and peaceful co-existence under Gonja authority.
“Even when the terms of that peaceful settlement were dishonored, we remained patient and committed to peace,” Darison said. “But our patience should not be mistaken for passivity.”
The Association laid out three clear demands:
1. Evidence – That Dr. Boakye-Danquah provide credible proof to support his claim that Gonjas are armed aggressors.
2. Justification – That he explain the logic behind calling for a blanket state of emergency across the entire Savannah Region.
3. Retraction and Apology – That he publicly retract his statements and apologize to the people of Gonjaland.
The GLYA emphasized the dangerous role that careless public commentary can play in inflaming ethnic tensions, particularly in already fragile conflict zones.
“In times like these, leadership demands wisdom, not sensationalism,” Darison said. “Words can build peace or ignite flames.”
Quoting the legacy of Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa, the founder of the Gonja Kingdom, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to lawful, peaceful defense of its people, while warning that it will not tolerate further attempts to mischaracterize or vilify the Gonja ethnic group.
“This is not the time for reckless rhetoric,” Darison concluded.
“It is a time for truth, accountability, and justice.”
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604.
