The Wechiau Youth Association has issued a strongly worded statement explaining its decision to bar the Member of Parliament for Wa West, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, and the District Chief Executive, Hon. Richard Wullo, from entering the Wechiau-Naa’s palace on Monday, December 29, 2025.

In a statement signed by its President, the association said the action was taken to protect the integrity of Wechiau’s traditions, land, values, and chieftaincy institutions amid prolonged tensions between Waala and Birifo tribes in the Wechiau Traditional Area. According to the youth group, the tensions have, over the past year, escalated into violent clashes resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

The association accused both the MP and the DCE of failing to show respect to the Wechiau-Naa and his divisional and sub-chiefs, alleging that they ignored calls by the traditional authority to help mediate peace during the conflict. The youth further claimed that while the two leaders allegedly engaged with affected persons on one side of the dispute, they failed to visit the Wechiau-Naa’s palace to mediate or sympathize with families affected by recent incidents in Wechiau.

The statement also expressed disappointment that Hon. Toobu, who recently played a peace-building role in conflicts elsewhere in the Savannah Region, was perceived to have failed to apply the same commitment within his own constituency. As a result, the youth said they believe both the MP and the DCE have taken sides in the Waala–Birifo conflict.

Despite their action, the Wechiau Youth Association condemned all forms of violence and called for peace and coexistence between indigenes and settlers in the area. However, the group warned against what it described as attempts to undermine traditional authority or politicize chieftaincy matters, insisting that such actions would not be tolerated.

The association reiterated its commitment to protecting Wechiau’s land and chieftaincy institutions as a legacy handed down by their ancestors, and appealed to stakeholders, including security agencies, to intervene to restore calm in the Wa West District.

Read the full statement below

Source: Upper West Media App