The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has hit back at former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, accusing him of making false and inflammatory remarks that unfairly target the Gonja people in the ongoing Gbiniyiri conflict.
In a strongly worded statement delivered at a press briefing on September 9, 2025, at the Jakpa Palace, GLYA described Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s call for a state of emergency in the entire Savannah Region and his claim that “Gonjas have rifles and ammunition” as dangerous, misleading, and ethnically divisive.
The group said such rhetoric risks fueling tensions and undermining peace efforts in the area.
GLYA insisted that the Gbiniyiri disturbances stemmed from a local dispute and escalated after a violent attack on the Gbiniyiri Chief’s palace, which left three Gonja youth dead.
The Association demanded evidence to back Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s allegations or, failing that, an immediate retraction and public apology.
“For Dr. Boakye-Danquah to now suggest that Gonjas are armed aggressors is not only hurtful and false, but a gross distortion of historical facts and an insult to a people who have consistently chosen peace over retaliation,” the Association declared.
This marks GLYA’s second official press briefing on the Gbiniyiri conflict, following an earlier one in Sawla last week where the group called for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed its commitment to peace in Gonjaland.
Bellow is the full press briefing by the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA).
**PRESS BRIEFING BY THE GONJALAND YOUTH ASSOCIATION (GLYA) ON MISLEADING AND UNFAIR COMMENTS ABOUT THE GBINIYIRI CONFLICT**
**Date: 9th September, 2025******
Good morning, members of the media, distinguished guests, fellow citizens, and the general public.
We thank you for your presence and attention at this critical moment.
The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has convened this press briefing to address a matter of grave national concern, the false, inflammatory, and unjust remarks made by Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, during a live panel discussion on Channel One TV’s News Review segment.
This marks our second official press briefing, following an earlier one held in Sawla last week, where we called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gbiniyiri conflict and reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to peace in Gonjaland.
Today, we return once again, not to escalate tensions, but to set the record straight in response to the misleading and inflammatory commentary being pushed by so-called security experts, whose words are doing more harm than good.
While discussing the recent conflict in Gbiniyiri, in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region, Dr. Boakye-Danquah shockingly called for a "total state of emergency in the entire Savannah Region.” Even more disturbingly, he claimed: “It is the Gonja guys that are doing this… they have rifles, they have ammunition.”
This is not only an irresponsible and unverified accusation, but also an ethnically divisive statement that unfairly maligns the entire Gonja people, without a shred of evidence.
**GLYA’s Position on the Matter**
We consider Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s comments to be:
**Misleading** as they distort the true nature and history of the conflict;
**Inflammatory** as they risk inciting ethnic tensions and undermining peace efforts;
**Unfair** , as they portray the Gonja people, who have shown great restraint and dignity, as aggressors.
**Let the records show clearly;**
The Gbiniyiri conflict began as a local dispute between two individuals from the Brifo-Lobi community, and was being addressed through traditional processes led by the Gbiniyiri chief, a legitimate Gonja authority.
However, what followed was a violent and coordinated attack on the Gbiniyiri Chief’s palace, resulting in the brutal killing of three unarmed Gonja youth, including the biological son of the Kalbawura. This was not an isolated incident ,it was a direct attack on traditional authority, and a betrayal of peace, tradition, and the long-standing hospitality that has defined our region.
**Historical Context Matters**
**Let us not forget**,
The Brifo-Lobi people are not indigenous to Gonjaland.They fled persecution in French-ruled Côte d’Ivoire a century ago and were granted refuge in 1925 by Yagbonwura Mahama Dagbonga, then King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom.
They were given fertile land, protection, and the right to live peacefully under Gonja authority, a rare and generous gesture of compassion and unity. The terms of their settlement were simple: mutual respect, an annual token of appreciation, and recognition of Gonja custodianship over the land.
Even when these agreements were disregarded in later years, the Gonja people remained patient, silent, and committed to peace.
For Dr. Boakye-Danquah to now suggest that Gonjas are armed aggressors is not only hurtful and false, but a gross distortion of historical facts and an insult to a people who have consistently chosen peace over retaliation.
**Our Demands**
In light of the above, the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) demands the following from Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah:
1. Evidence: He must provide credible and verifiable evidence to support his claim that Gonjas possess rifles and ammunition, as he alleged on national television.
2. Justification: He must explain the rationale behind his dangerous call for a state of emergency across the entire Savannah Region a move that risks destabilizing the area and escalating tensions.
3. Retraction and Apology: If he fails to provide evidence, we demand an immediate retraction of his comments and a formal public apology to the people of Gonjaland.
**A Call for Responsible Leadership**
We take this opportunity to remind Dr. Boakye-Danquah and all public figures that in times of conflict and tension, words carry immense weight. Irresponsible public commentary especially from persons in positions of authority has the potential to derail peace efforts, polarize communities, and endanger lives.
The Gonja people are proud descendants of Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa, a leader whose legacy of courage, unity, and justice remains our guiding light. But let no one mistake our peaceful nature for weakness.
We will always rise lawfully and resolutely to defend our people, our dignity, and our ancestral lands.
This is not the time for reckless rhetoric.
It is a time for truth, accountability and justice.
Let's work together to restore peace not through baseless accusations but through dialogue. fairness and mutual respect.
Thank you.
Signed
Al-Hassan Baba Darison
National President Gonjaland Youth Association
Source: kashafmonline.com
Post a Comment