The family of the late Joseph Trumah Bayel, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sawla/Kalba constituency, has accused the Chief of Tuna, Tunawura Safo Amantana, of obstructing his burial over a long-running land dispute that remains pending before the High Court in Wa.
Mr Bayel, who served in Parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from 1993 to 2005, passed away in August 2025. More than five months after his death, his family says it has been unable to lay him to rest due to demands being made by the traditional authority in Tuna, including a GH₵100,000 fine.
The decision is said to have the express approval of the Yagbonwura, the king and overlord of the Gonja Kingdom.
According to the family, the dispute concerns land purchased in the early 1990s, when the late MP acquired a parcel in Tuna, fenced it, planted economic trees, drilled a borehole, and began construction.
They say that around 2020, the then Chief of Tuna ordered his assigns to demolish the fence and other developments on the land.
“The explanation given was that Mr Bayel did not own the entire land he had occupied for nearly 30 years,” a family representative said.
“The fence was pulled down, and attempts were made to sell the land, including dumping several trips of sand on it.”
The matter was reported to the police, but when no action was taken, Mr Bayel filed a suit at the Wa High Court against the chief’s assigns. The family said it was during the proceedings that the chief admitted in court to having instructed the demolition.
The chief later passed away and was buried, while his successor inherited the case, which is still pending. However, following Mr Bayel’s death in August 2025, the family claims the current Chief of Tuna has demanded GH¢100,000 from them before allowing the burial to take place in the community.
“The chief claims the money is to cover costs he incurred over the court case, even though the matter is still before the court,” the family said.
“He has insisted that if the money is not paid, the funeral will not be allowed to take place.”
The family further alleged that the chief has threatened to use force to enforce his demand, a claim that has heightened tensions in the area.
“We have met the chief on several occasions to explain that there is neither a customary nor legal basis for his demand,” the family said. “We have been firm that we will not set a dangerous precedent where the whims and caprices of a chief become law.”
The family said it has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, as well as the area MP, Andrew Dari Chiwietey, to intervene, but is yet to receive a response. They also accused local political authorities of refusing to assist with preparations for the funeral unless the chief’s demands are met.
“We contacted the Sawla/Kalba NDC constituency chairman and the District Chief Executive to help grade the road to our village for the funeral,” a family member said. “We were told that if we do not comply with the chief’s demands, the road will not be graded.”
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Tunawura’s Palace and dated 7 January 2026 warned against any attempt to bury the late former MP in Tuna without meeting certain conditions.
“We have noticed with deep concern flyers going the rounds about the burial of Turuma Bayel to take place in Tuna,” the statement, signed by Tunawura Safo Amantana, said.
“This activity is planned to take place without any information to the Chief and people of Tuna who have had discussions with the family.”
The palace warned that proceeding without approval could provoke “serious contrasting action”, adding: “Any attempt therefore to bury Bayel in Tuna without the fulfilment of the conditions made known to the family of Turuma and with the express approval of the Yagbonwura, the king and overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, will be tempted and tested with the counter offence dramatically.”
The statement listed conditions, including notification and approval from the Yagbonwura through the Bolewura, settlement of what it described as “all expenses incurred by the Tunawura and elders of Tuna for five years in court from Tamale to Wa”, a complete renunciation of the disputed land, and that the burial, if approved, should take place at a public cemetery.
“For our love of peace and comfort, we give you this information in order to prevent any unintended negative consequences,” the statement added.
The case remains before the High Court in Wa, while the family of the late former MP continues to seek intervention to enable his burial.
