Sporadic gunshots are said to have been heard in the Upper East Regional town of Bawku where the Mamprusi ethnic group defied a national security directive not to celebrate the Damba festival. The ban was placed on the celebration Thursday after what national security sources claim was a harbinger of chaos. But the Mamprusi ethnic group defied the ban saying it was politically motivated. Spokesperson of the Mamprusi ethnic group, Alhaji Seidu Khalifax, in an interview with Joy News, accused government of bias. He found it difficult to understand why the Kusasis would be allowed to celebrate their festival, which is part of their custom, and when it was their turn to, a ban will be imposed. On Saturday, celebration went ahead as planned in open defiance of the national security directive. But the Kusasis claim the celebration of the Damba festival without the prior knowledge and approval of the Bawku Naba smacks of disrespect to the overlord. Majid Alhassan, a Kusasi youth organiser, told Joy News he is not surprised with the reports of the gunshots as the Kusasi youth are bent on making sure the festival is not celebrated. Joy News correspondents said the gunshots were heard at the outskirts of the town. There are no reports of casualties and arrests of perpetrators but the fragile security situation is under threat. The Regional Police Commander has remained tight-lipped on the matter. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana