Tension is mounting at Buipe, the district capital of Central Gonja in the Northern Region following the purported installation of a new chief, Buipewura. A group of people believed to be sympathisers of the supposed deskinned Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapo, mobilised to confront the kingmakers when news went round that the Yagbonwura, Sulleman Tutuba Jakpa II, the paramount chief of the Gonja traditional area, had given the green light for the enskinment of new Buipewura in spite of the Tamale High Court order restraining him. On Saturday, the kingmakers gathered to enskin Awusi Bawa as the new Buipewura. This is said to have provoked the family members and symphathisers of Abdulai Jinapo who mobilised to disrupt the ceremony. The Gonja traditional council last month destined Buipewura Abdulai Jinapo who was alleged to have shown disrespect to the Yagbonwura. An eye witness, Sulley Abdulai, told the Times that but for the prompt action of the security personnel stationed in the town there would have been a clash between the factions supporting the rival chiefs. According to him, both groups were armed to the teeth and were ready to strike when the security personnel intervened. When the Times contacted the District Chief Executive, Mr. Issiful Soalisu Be- Enyawuribi, on phone he could neither confirm nor deny the enskinment of a new Buipewura. He indicated however that the Yagbowura had written to the assembly informing it of his intention to enskin Awusi Bawa as Buipewura. The DCE said that the assembly would not interfere in chieftaincy matters but it would do everything to ensure that peace prevailed in the area. Mr. Soalisu said the District Security Committee (DISEC) met at the weekend, on the matter and issued a firm warning to the factions not to disturb the peace. He appealed to the people to use legal means to address their grievances. Mr. Soalisu denied the gun shots in the district saying "nobody shot any gun in any part of the district.” He said security personnel were patrolling the town and would deal ruthlessly with anyone who tried to cause confusion. Source: Ghanaian Times