Post a comment
Chief Briama T. Kallon, affectionately known as Chief Tandacy has successfully mediated a longstanding conflict in Batawai village, located in the Setia Kadeh section of Kpanga Chiefdom, Pujehun District, on October 26, 2024.
The resolution marked a significant turning point for the community, which had been plagued by internal discord that stifled progress for years.
The dispute primarily involved tensions between the village youth and key stakeholders, rooted in frustrations over leadership decisions and unequal distribution of benefits from development projects.
The division had grown to such an extent that stakeholders sought Chief Tandacy’s intervention, knowing his reputation for fostering unity and maintaining peace in the region.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Chief Tandacy called for an emergency meeting of the Setia Kadeh Development Committee, bringing both sides to the table in Batawai.
The gathering served as a platform for open dialogue and honest discussions about the challenges facing the village.
During the meeting, Acting Town Chief Abdulai Kondowai voiced the concerns of village elders, stating that the youth had repeatedly disrespected the authority of community leaders.
According to Chief Kondowai, this lack of respect had led to a breakdown in communication and discipline, which contributed to the village’s stagnation.
In response, Youth Leader Lansana Kpaka addressed the frustrations from the youth’s perspective. He argued that while the younger generation had been actively involved in labor-intensive community projects, such as the Rice Agro Industrial Cluster initiative, they were excluded from the benefits.
Kpaka noted that this disparity led to growing discontent among the youth, who felt sidelined despite their contributions. The perceived injustice, he said, had caused many to withdraw from community activities, fueling further divisions.
Chief Tandacy, known for his wisdom and balanced approach, listened intently to both parties before offering a solution that bridged the gap.
He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration in fostering development, reminding all present that progress can only be achieved when unity prevails. His resolution, which addressed the core grievances of both the youth and stakeholders, was met with widespread approval.
In a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing the renewed spirit of cooperation, Chief Tandacy committed to providing footballs and shirts to the youth, promoting unity through sports. He also urged them to respect authority and follow established community structures for the benefit of all.
The meeting ended on a high note, with both the youth and stakeholders celebrating the breakthrough. With peace restored in Batawai village, there is renewed optimism for future development projects, which had previously stalled due to the conflict.
