The New Patriotic Party has taken note of recent developments in Dagbon following the High Court ruling in the matter involving 15 persons who were acquitted and discharged of the murder of the Ya-Na, Yakubu Andani II, whose tragic death continues to haunt our nation. There have been disturbing reactions to the decision of the Court, ranging from destruction of the ruling party’s properties, loss of life, threats to lives and attack on the integrity of the Judiciary. Statements made by functionaries of the ruling National Democratic Congress, including Government officials, have sought to impugn the integrity of the Judiciary to suggest an institutional bias against the Government. This trend is dangerous to our democracy and must not be actively led or instigated by a ruling party. The independence of the Judiciary must be respected by all, especially those elected to lead, since judicial independence is the ultimate guarantee of freedom and justice. We are calling on the President of the Republic, who has supreme executive power in our state, to appreciate the extreme volatility of the situation in Dagbon and the possible negative impact a deterioration could have on national security. This means that the response of the Presidency to these unfolding events must be measured and guided by the national interest and, in particular, the collective interest of the people of Dagbon. It must stand the test of time. Decisions and actions must be guided by the rule of law, respect for the laid down processes of Dagbon succession and the security of the nation. This is neither the time for jubilation nor humiliation. We all have a duty to help the people of Dagbon to stay on the course of lasting peace. Let us see the current development as an opportunity to promote reconciliation amongst all the people of Dagbon, especially, between the Abudus and Andanis, so that lasting peace can be restored to that important area of our nation. As I have said before, “in all humility, the best way forward to seeking justice and reconciliation is to find accommodation for opposing views, forgiveness for old wrongs and by working together to build for the collective, a better, more fulfilling future.” The New Patriotic Party is appealing to all Ghanaians for utmost sensitivity, calm and sober reflection in these times. Let us all be guided by the ultimate interest of our nation, Ghana. May God bless the people of Dagbon. May God bless Ghana. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo 2012 NPP Presidential Candidate