Nogokpo-Agyinasare impasse: National Peace Council dismisses bribery allegations

The National Peace Council (NPC) has categorically refuted allegations of bribery in its involvement in the Nogokpo-Agyinasare conflict resolution.

In a statement issued by the NPC, the Council condemned the “false and unsubstantiated” claims made by Nufialaga Mawufemor Kobla Nornyigbey, a self-proclaimed spokesperson for the Nogokpo community.

According to the statement, Mr. Nornyigbey accused Torgbiga Adamah III, the Paramount Chief of Some Traditional Area, and President of the Some Traditional Council, of being compromised after an NPC visit regarding the dispute between Nogokpo and Bishop Charles Agyinasare, the Founder of Perez Chapel.

The NPC reiterated its commitment to facilitating and developing conflict prevention, management, and resolution mechanisms in line with its mandate established by the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818).

The statement outlined the NPC's involvement in various conflicts, including chieftaincy, political, communal, religious, and others. Specifically addressing the Nogokpo-Agyinasare dispute, the NPC noted that it had engaged all relevant stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution following Bishop Charles Agyinasare's controversial statement about “Nogokpo being the demonic headquarters of the Volta Region.”

The NPC's actions included a meeting with Torgbi Saba V, the Chief of Nogokpo, and the issuance of a “conflicts complaint form” on June 5, 2023, which was returned on June 9, 2023. On June 29, 2023, an eight-member NPC team engaged the Some Traditional Council, led by Torgbiga Adamah III and including representatives from Nogokpo.

The NPC stressed that the discussions were held openly, with numerous people present, and there was no private or separate meeting with Torgbiga Adamah. Mr. Nornyigbey was notably absent from this meeting.

The NPC called on Mr. Nornyigbey to retract his statements and apologize for “his false and damaging statement full of unsubstantiated allegations.” The Council also urged all stakeholders, particularly the media, to verify issues related to the NPC before publication.

The statement was signed by Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the NPC, and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to facilitating peaceful conflict resolution in Ghana.