In the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of Ghana, a bitter dispute has left the body of the late National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, Joseph Trumah Bayel, in limbo, held at a hospital mortuary as a fierce land feud simmers between his family and local chiefs.
Tension mounted sharply this week when traditional leaders, including the chief of Tuna, shocked mourners by demanding GH¢944,955, reportedly to cover legal fees tied to a long running land conflict involving the late MP and successive chiefs over disputed land rights.
Speaking to JoyNews, the deceased’s son, Richard Trumah Bayel, described the situation as both “disgraceful and very embarrassing,” questioning why his father, who “served his country,” now faced such hurdles even in death.
“He was not violent. He went to court over something he thought was wrong. Why should that be an issue?” the grieving son asked, lamenting what he sees as a troubling precedent where power outweighs justice.
Hospital officials say they are being prevented from releasing the body due to direct orders from the chief of Sawla.
Representatives of the chief’s palace have offered a stark choice: withdraw the lawsuit, relinquish claims to the contested land, and pay GH¢100,000 or bury the former MP elsewhere.
Until an agreement is reached, the funeral rites — and closure for a grieving family — remain painfully stalled.
