Disputed Chief and Son Shot Dead in Northern Ghana, Reviving Chieftaincy Tension

A disputed chief of Yiidana and his son have been fatally shot in the Gushegu Municipality of Ghana’s Northern Region, reigniting a chieftaincy conflict that has simmered for nearly four years.

The attack occurred around midnight on Thursday when three gunmen stormed the chief’s family home, according to District Chief Executive Abdul Hafiz Adam.

“Three gunmen, as we are told, went to the house and shot him and his son. So, both of them have died, and we can confirm their deaths for now,” Adam said.

Longstanding Dispute Over Enskinment Authority

The killings are rooted in a protracted disagreement over who has the authority to install a chief for Yiidana—a matter involving the nearby Paboni community and the traditional ruler known as Zantali-Lana.

According to Adam, the conflict began about four years ago when the Zantali-Lana moved to perform an enskinment for Yiidana. Residents of Paboni objected, challenging the Zantali-Lana’s right to do so. The case was referred to the Yaa Naa’s palace in Yendi, the traditional overlord, who ruled in favour of the Zantali-Lana.

Despite that ruling, tensions persisted. Earlier clashes between the two communities led to property destruction, and Yiidana was advised to seek compensation through the courts.

Tensions Resurfaced After Enskinment Proceeded

The dispute flared up again when the Zantali-Lana once more attempted to carry out the enskinment. After the chief with jurisdiction over Paboni clarified that Yiidana did not fall under Paboni’s authority, the way was cleared for the ceremony to go ahead.

Although residents of Paboni reportedly tried to disrupt the event, the enskinment was completed. However, due to security fears, the newly installed chief was initially made to live outside Yiidana.

Chief Returned Despite Security Concerns

About a month ago, the chief’s family informed local security authorities of their intention to bring him back to the community. The Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) requested time to assess the security situation before his return.

“But the family failed to listen to us. They insisted that they had already sent the chief to the Yiidana community,” Adam said. Authorities eventually allowed the return on condition that peace would be maintained—a condition that was broken by Thursday night’s attack.

Security Deployed, Residents Flee

Police and military personnel have since been deployed to Yiidana. Adam said he was awaiting the arrival of the Northern Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) from Tamale to assess the situation and decide on next steps.

While the area is currently calm with no active gunfire, fear remains high. The bodies of the chief and his son are still in the community, pending decisions from MUSEC and REGSEC on burial arrangements.

Many residents have fled their homes amid fears of retaliatory violence. “There is general suspicion out there that the two families may attack each other again,” Adam said, prompting widespread displacement from Yiidana and surrounding areas.