Tensions Mount in DBI Over District GES Office Siting: Chiefs and MP Clash on Project Relocation Controversy

Honorable Dr. Sabastian Sandaare, Member of Parliament for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI)

The Member of Parliament for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, Honourable Dr. Sabastian Sandaare, has publicly accused his main opponent, Honorable Abu K. Kansagabata, of fueling unrest within the district. The controversy centers on an allege relocation of a critical educational office complex and teachers’ bungalow project, initially designated for Issa, the district capital, but now allegedly moved to Daffiama.

During an interview with Info Radio on Thursday, Dr. Sandaare alleged that Hon. Abu K. Kansagabata, a former Deputy Upper West Regional Minister and the MP’s last electoral opponent, is orchestrating efforts to incite conflict. He claimed that Hon. Abu K. Kansagabata is behind the recent press conference organized by chiefs and community members of Issa and Kojokpere, which expressed outrage over the project’s relocation.

“The accusations against me are fabricated,” Sandaare asserted. “Hon. Abu K. Kansagabata is the one instigating these grievances to tarnish my reputation and undermine my position in the constituency. He is deliberately trying to create chaos for his own political gain, but such efforts are futile.”

The MP emphasized that he is not responsible for the project’s siting and expressed surprise that only communities of Issa and Kojokpere have voiced concerns without broader consultation with other district communities. He called for dialogue, suggesting that the chiefs and residents of Issa and Kojokpere invite both himself and Hon. Abu K. Kansagabata to a meeting to resolve the dispute.

Meanwhile, traditional authorities in Issa have voiced their strong opposition to the project’s relocation. On March 11, 2026, Naa Yelekuang Bawele II, Paramount Chief of the Issa Traditional Council, issued a statement condemning the decision by the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council to move the district office from Issa to Daffiama.

“The construction of the educational office complex and bungalow was tendered with Issa as the designated location,” the statement read. “Issa has served as the district capital since 2012 and as the administrative hub since 1983. Moving the project undermines the law and the district’s development plans.”

The council argued that the relocation contradicts the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936), which stipulates that key administrative offices should be situated in the district capital to promote effective governance. They warned that moving the project would create operational inefficiencies, increase costs, and delay service delivery, adversely affecting the district’s development.

“The abrupt redirection of resources appears to be an attempt to incite conflict between Issa and Daffiama,” the traditional council stated, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence has characterized the district for decades. They called on the President, regional authorities, and the project contractor to reverse the decision and restore the project to Issa.

The chiefs also warned that failure to do so could lead to protests and legal action, underscoring that the community’s primary concern is ensuring equitable development and maintaining peace within the district.

As the controversy unfolds, the district remains divided, with traditional leaders and political figures entangling over the future of development projects that are crucial for local growth and stability. The coming days will be critical in determining whether consensus can be reached to preserve peace and promote equitable progress in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa district.