Two soldiers from the Yendi Military Unit in the Northern Region are in critical condition after a seized gunpowder exploded in transit to their military base, injuring three of them.
The three soldiers are currently on admission at the Tamale Teaching Hospital receiving treatment, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Issah Zakaria, has confirmed to TV3
The gunpowder and an unspecified number of guns were seized from a group of Dagbon youth in Yendi. It followed a military raid Saturday which was triggered by gunshots at the funeral of the mother of one Issah Bukari of the Dagbon family.
The three were said to be in the same vehicle which was transporting the seized guns and gunpowder when the explosion occurred.
TV3 sources say the gunshots by the Dagbon group was creating tension in the town which has for years been rocked with chieftaincy conflict between the two royal gates – the Abudus and the Andanis – causing a team of military personnel to step in.
The group are said to have flouted an order by Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) that requires “every individual who wish to engage in the use of guns during any occasion to officially write to MUSEC for approval considering the volatility of the area”.
According to the MCE, both the Andanis and the Abudus have been duly informed of the order in a letter to them, adding announcements have also gone on on local radio stations and through the Information Services Department.
Sources say gunshots at functions is a traditional requirements in Dagbon where royals have the traditional obligation to fire guns to either announce the birth or death of a family member. Again, during festivals and funerals of royals, guns are fired to mark the celebration.
However, Mr Zakaria says “gunshots in Yendi have become an order of almost every occasion with no regard to the fact that the act is meant only for the royal,” and blamed the wanton disregrad for the order to indiscipline in the area.
By Zubaida Ismail|tv3network.com|Ghana