The Member of Parliament for the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) constituency, Hon. Dr Sebastian Mwinenso Sandaare, accompanied by his party executives, has embarked on a peace mission across the traditional councils of the area. This initiative follows recent demonstrations sparked by the siting of a two-story District Education Office in Daffiama.
The entourage’s first port of call was the Daffiama Traditional Council at the palace of Naa Domelee, where they were received with a rousing welcome.
Without hesitation, the constituency Chairman, Mr Boniface Tienaa, outlined the purpose of the visit. He noted that the mission became necessary following last week’s demonstration and the subsequent petition presented in Issa regarding the construction of the District Education Office in Daffiama.
Responding to the council, Dr Sandaare explained that while in Parliament, he received reports from various media houses concerning the disturbing developments in the constituency. He described the situation as unfortunate and felt it was imperative to return home to ensure that peace prevails, as stability is the foundation for further development.
He further clarified that his visit was not intended to validate or dismiss the petition. Having been served a copy, he acknowledged the petition as a legitimate and constructive step for citizens to voice concerns when they are aggrieved.
The MP emphasised that a follow-up was prudent, asserting that the NDC remains committed to the district’s growth. He reiterated that his primary objective was to foster harmony among his “fathers”, the traditional leaders, to ensure that no community is deprived of progress due to internal strife.
“A petition is not a negative act; it is a formal channel for people to express grievances to authorities to find a resolution. As a Member of Parliament, when there is a dispute in the constituency, I must come home to ensure peace among my elders,” Dr Sandaare added during his engagement in Issa.
Naa Nakuba Namwerengyang commended the MP and his team for their swift intervention to nurture peace, despite the ongoing efforts to bring development to the DBI district. He remarked that while the Daffiama Traditional Council was aware of the tensions in Issa, they chose to remain calm to safeguard the district’s collective interests.
“While you are in Parliament advocating for our development, we should not be here creating confusion or sowing seeds of doubt among the very people you are working for,” the chief stated.
“We are at peace here. Regardless of where a project is sited, we are satisfied, as we have remained patient for the overall growth of the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa district,” he added.
He assured the delegation that the purpose of their visit would be communicated to the residents of the traditional area, further guaranteeing that peace would be maintained to facilitate the district’s advancement.
The entourage subsequently visited the Bussie Paramountcy on a similar mission. The leadership there urged the party not to allow pride or friction to stall progress, noting that all residents are one people and any development within the district benefits everyone.
“It is development we all seek. Regardless of the location, let us unite to see it through rather than feeling others are undeserving. Such sentiments only breed division, which serves no one,” Naa Nyelee Bachor Pius I, concluded.
At the Issa Traditional Council, Naa Bismark Beotoore, speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief, expressed satisfaction with the MP’s mission to unify the district. He stated that Daffiama and Issa should remain inseparable and affirmed that they would respect the eventual outcome of the petition.
Naa Yelekuang Bawele II, who also read the petition, invoked a divine plea that Daffiama and Issa never succumb to misunderstanding.
“In my address, I noted that certain issues are threatening to put Daffiama and Issa at loggerheads, and we pray that it never happens. Wherever this matter eventually settles, we will remain patient and allow peace and further development to reach our district,” he added.
The final stop of the mission was in Kojokperi, where the message of nurturing peace remained central. Kuoro Karim Bantuo explained that, like many others, he had only learned of these developments through the media and appreciated the visit to gain a clearer understanding of the facts.
Kuoro Karim observed that since the MP assumed office, there had been no significant disturbances regarding development until the controversy surrounding the District Education Office.
“Everyone in DBI, from the elderly to the children, knows that only the Education Office project has become a point of contention. I do not understand why this specific project is bringing confusion. Projects like the Senior High School and Health Insurance did not cause such strife, yet this one threatens to do so,” Kuoro Karim lamented.
He concluded by calling on the MP and his team to consider granting the Kojokperi area its own Area Council status, noting that while other paramountcies are assigned an Area Council, theirs remains outstanding.
Background
A major controversy erupted in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) District involving the alleged relocation of a key infrastructure project—specifically a Ghana Education Service (GES) office complex and ancillary facilities—from Issa to Daffiama.
The tension centred on claims that the project was originally designated for Issa, the district capital, but was unlawfully diverted to Daffiama. The Issa Traditional Council, led by Paramount Chief Naa Yelekuang Bawele II, accused the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) of shifting the project site despite original tender documents specifying Issa.
Following this, chiefs, youth, and residents of Issa staged a demonstration on March 11, 2026, presenting a formal petition to the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. James Wor. The Council alleged the decision was influenced by Dr Sebastian Sandaare to favour Daffiama.
The Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, and the MP have both denied these allegations, explaining that project awards follow technical evaluations. The GES office has been operating from temporary facilities in Daffiama since the district’s inception in 2012, highlighting long-standing concerns regarding resource distribution within the district.
