The extremely peaceful atmosphere that characterized the colourful and historic investiture of the newly installed King of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abubakari Mahama II amply demonstrates the passionate desire and readiness of the Chiefs and people of Dagbon Traditional Area to give lasting peace a chance for an accelerated development.
The outdooring ceremony which was graced by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo himself, former President John Dramani Mahama and other top government officials marked the begging of a new dawn of peace, unity and development. It brought together all proud sons and daughters of the Dagbon state who previously were sharply divided to the forecourt of the old Gbewa Palace in Yendi.
The palace was free of occupation for about 17 years after the murder of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani in 2002.
Indeed it was a mammoth gathering of sons and daughters of the great Dagbon Kingdom and not a gathering of Abudus and Andanis any longer. Now the true identity of Dagombas is found again and the people are back together as brothers and sisters again.
WatchGhana.Com appreciates the efforts of all the stakeholders including past and present governments, Otumfuo’s Committee of Eminent Chiefs, Damaz, National Peace Council and other international partners, but the ultimate commendation goes to the sons and daughters of Dagbon. For without their compromise and sacrifices, the peace process would have been in jeopardy.
The true culture and tradition of Dagbon was for a very long time at play as the people were boldly seen titivated in their best form of traditional clothes (fuju or smocks). Almost all the dignitaries including President Akufo-Addo and former President, John Dramani Mahama were also in their smock designs.
Dancing to different cultural dances of the North, the patrons including the Bolin-Lana proved to the whole world that the Abudus and Andanis are of one blood and with a common destiny.
The spirit of unanimity that was showcased at the Gbewa Palace on Friday 25th January, 2019 by the two royal families, confirmed that the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy dispute that saw the loss of several lives and valuable properties between 2002 and 2019, is buried forever.
The occasion also united the leadership and supporters of the two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress as their officials and members were seen visibly exchanging pleasantries.
Former President John Mahama, Chairman and General Secretary of NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and Johnson Asiedu Nketia, respectively were spotted having chit chats with the President and other government officials present.
On the other hand, the Northern Regional Security Council led by the Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed deserves to be celebrated for all their efforts in ensuring massive security before and during the investiture.
The Police, the Military and other support security agencies were professional in their line of duty also deserve some commendations as well as the media especially those working in the Northern region.
Meanwhile, a new Ya-Na Abubakari Mahama was enskinned by the kingmakers of Dagbon following the death of the late Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II in 2002. The John Agyekum Kufuor government set up a Committee of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to help find a solution to the crisis.
The committee in November 2018 presented a final road map for peace to President Nana Akufo-Addo, which led to the successful performance of the funerals of Ya-Na Abdulai and Ya-Na Andani.
The kingmakers of Dagbon eventually selected Ya Na Abubakari Mahama II as the new overlord of the Dagbon traditional area.
We at WatchGhana.Com celebrate the new Ya-Na and encourage him to rule as a King with a great vision of uniting the people for an accelerated development in Dagbon.
, December 15, 2019