The family of the late Member of Parliament for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, Joseph Trumah Bayel of Dakompilayir, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Interior Minister, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and other relevant authorities to intervene and help resolve delays affecting his burial.
The family alleged that despite a court ruling permitting them to proceed with burial arrangements, they are facing resistance from the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, and the Police Command over the release of the body from the mortuary.
Speaking to Adom News, a family spokesperson said: “We have done everything required for the burial. Guests have been invited, including relatives from abroad, and even the children of the late MP are here. We are ready, but we are being prevented from burying our relative.”
The family further lamented financial losses, stating that preparations had already been completed, including the purchase of cattle and other logistics, which they said have now gone to waste because of the delay.
“We have spent a lot of money on preparations, including cattle and other funeral arrangements. All of these are now going to waste because the burial has not taken place,” the spokesperson added.
They also said they had informed the late MP’s political party as well as Parliament but claimed they were yet to receive any meaningful response.
However, responding to the allegations, Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe denied preventing the burial and insisted that he had no intention of obstructing the process.
“I am not preventing anyone from burying the late MP,” the Minister stated. “The court has already indicated the exact place where the burial should take place, and the family is yet to fully comply with that directive.”
He further explained that there are security considerations in the area that must be addressed before the burial can proceed smoothly.
In an emotional appeal, the Minister added:
“I am on my knees pleading with the family to cooperate so that we can ensure a peaceful and dignified burial for the late MP.”
He urged all parties to work together to resolve the impasse and allow the funeral to proceed in accordance with both legal and security requirements.
