Affairs to initiate an inquiry into the tribal authority (TA) list unveiled for the upcoming 2024 Paramount Chief Election in Kowa Chiefdom.

Expressing concerns over potential fraud and irregularities, the activists highlight several grievances. Firstly, they claim that the revision of TAs occurred in Kori Chiefdom instead of Kowa, with accusations of chiefs being mobilized to Taiama without proper community notification. Additionally, there are allegations that the current Regent Chief is showing favoritism towards a specific candidate from the Tibbie ruling house, namely Amie Tator Kallon Tibbie.

The activists further point to discrepancies in the signing of the new TA list, asserting that seven out of eight section chiefs in Kowa did not sign, and those who did allegedly signed on behalf of chiefs unaware of the process. Notably, concerns arise regarding misspelled or altered names on the list, such as the transformation of Chief John Laggaoh to Chief Joseph Laggaoh.

The issue extends to the partial distribution of 2022 local taxes in Kowa, with reported irregularities in the Ngabahun, Kpadabu, and Mousumana sections. Despite previous reports, there has been no substantial action, raising fears that the absence of key sections and TAs in the current list may compromise the fairness of the paramount chieftaincy election.

In response to these concerns, the activists are urging the government to establish an independent body to investigate the tribal authority list. They emphasize that failure to address these issues could endanger the peace and stability of Kowa chiefdom, as a significant portion of the population vehemently opposes the contested list.

It is essential for the government to take swift action in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and addressing the grievances raised by the civil rights activists to maintain public trust and uphold democratic principles in Kowa Chiefdom.