The deposed chief Salamba Kukuo Naa (in blue cap)
The city of Tamale has been left in shock following the deskinment of a sub-chief over allegations of goat theft.
N-Yab Choggu Naa Mahamadu, the senior-most chief under the Gulkpegu Paramountcy, officially deposed Salamba Kukuo Naa last Thursday for allegedly stealing and slaughtering several pregnant goats.
The former chief, known in private life as Abdallah, reportedly confessed to the crime after he was caught with the slaughtered animals.
Salamba Kukuo Naa served as a sub-chief under the Choggu Traditional Area within the Tamale Metropolis. He is believed to have engaged in livestock theft over an extended period, but his activities only came to light recently after he was caught with several slaughtered goats.
Reacting to the incident, a visibly angered N-Yab Choggu Naa stated that stealing is fundamentally at odds with Dagbon customs and values.
“Stealing is abhorred in every sphere of life. It is an abomination for a chief to engage in such acts, which are against our culture and tradition,” he said.
“That is why I have decided to deskin him.”
The traditional leader emphasised that integrity is a core requirement for chieftaincy in Dagbon.
“I enskinned the Salamba chief, and he in turn enskinned Kukuo Naa. Therefore, I declare that he is no longer Salamba Kukuo Naa. When a suitable candidate is found, we will confer the chieftaincy title accordingly,” he added.
The development has sparked widespread conversation in Tamale, with many residents expressing dismay over the conduct of the former chief.
