Dr. Joseph Whittal Hands Over NNHRI-WA Leadership as Oti Chiefs Move to Resolve Nkwanta South Conflict

In a significant regional transition, Dr. Joseph Whittal has officially handed over the presidency of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA) to Dr. Anthony Ojukwu of Nigeria. During the ceremony held in Accra, Dr. Whittal reflected on his tenure from 2019 to 2023, which focused on enhancing the network's financial stability and improving responses to democratic governance and migration challenges. The incoming president, Dr. Ojukwu, pledged to build upon these foundations by establishing a sub-regional Situation Room and Data Centre to facilitate more robust human rights monitoring across member states, ensuring the network remains a pivotal force for advocacy within the ECOWAS framework.

On the domestic front, the Oti Regional House of Chiefs is taking decisive action to address recurring ethnic disturbances in the Nkwanta South Municipality. Led by President Nana Soglo Alloh IV, a seven-member committee consisting of five eminent chiefs and two prominent citizens has been established to investigate the root causes of conflict between the Akyode, Adele, and Challa ethnic groups. The committee is tasked with identifying conflict triggers and proposing sustainable measures to restore social cohesion. Nana Alloh IV has called for calm from the local youth and urged the government and civil society organizations to provide the necessary support to facilitate the committee's work in Dambai.

Parallel to these peace-building efforts, the role of traditional authority in national governance was further highlighted during a high-profile visit to Parliament. King Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV of the Akyem Kotoku State met with Speaker Alban Bagbin to advocate for stronger collaboration between the Legislature and traditional leaders. The King emphasized that such partnerships are essential for national unity and sustainable development. Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the critical role traditional leaders play in Ghana's democratic journey, assuring the King of Parliament's commitment to working closely with traditional authorities for the welfare of all citizens.

The atmosphere in Parliament also saw a rare moment of light-heartedness that transcended political divides. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin playfully challenged colleagues Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and John Dumelo to an Ewe language duel, asserting his own proficiency as an Anlo man. This jovial exchange served to ease legislative tensions and underscore the cultural interconnectedness of Ghana's leadership. Collectively, these events reflect a broader national and regional focus on institutional strengthening, the reconciliation of ethnic grievances, and the preservation of democratic stability through both formal and traditional channels.