Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has apologised to the Gonja community following backlash over his comments on the Gbiniyiri conflict in the Savannah Region.
In a statement issued through the African Institute on Governance and Security (AIGS)—where Dr. Boakye-Danquah serves as a Senior Fellow—the security analyst expressed regret for any distress caused by his remarks, which the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) had earlier condemned as “false, inflammatory, and unjust.”
During a live panel discussion on Channel One TV, Dr. Boakye-Danquah had called for a “total state of emergency in the entire Savannah Region” and alleged that “it is the Gonja guys that are doing this… they have rifles, they have ammunition.”
The GLYA rejected the claims, stressing that the Gbiniyiri clashes originated as a personal dispute between members of the Brifo-Lobi community and were being lawfully managed by the Gbiniyiri chief, a recognised Gonja traditional authority. The youth association argued that his comments were dangerous and risked inflaming tensions.
Responding to the concerns, AIGS clarified that Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s call for a state of emergency was intended to be targeted at the Gbiniyiri area rather than the entire Savannah Region.
“Dr. Boakye-Danquah extends his sincere apologies for any misrepresentation or unintended distress his comments may have caused to the Gonja people or the broader Gonjaland community,” the statement read.
The institute stressed that his remarks were based on credible intelligence assessments but acknowledged the need for greater sensitivity when addressing ethnically delicate matters.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah further pledged to engage stakeholders—traditional leaders, youth groups, security agencies, and government representatives—to support peacebuilding and justice efforts in Gbiniyiri.
The AIGS concluded by echoing calls for evidence-based dialogue, mutual respect, and national unity, urging public commentators to exercise responsibility during times of conflict.
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