Following the crowning of Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama, Jerry John Rawlings, a former President is hoping for sustained peace in Dagbon.
Dagbon has been in conflict for nearly two decades over who becomes the new Yaa Naa.The last overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II died in 2002.
In a statement, Rawlings said the agreements between the feuding gates to settle their differences and allow for the selection of a substantive overlord of Dagbon was a “sign of great maturity, tact and patience.”
Commending the committee of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the former president said traditional leaders and the people of Dagbon must commit to living in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
“The people of Dagbon have gone through a difficult and painful period since 2002 and it is a sign of great maturity, tact and patience that the process of the burial ceremonies of the Yaa Naa and the investiture of the new Overlord have progressed in relative peace.”
“I also commend the committee of eminent chiefs namely the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I and Nayiri, Naa Bohogu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga for their painstaking efforts in bringing about this welcome development. Peace will be perpetuated in Dagbon if the traditional leaders and people of Dagbon commit to the fact that they are brothers and agree to live in an atmosphere of justice, peace and harmony.”
Lamenting the lack of development in Dagbon due to the conflict, Rawlings said the people of Dagbon must be mindful of the complexity of their history and dedicate themselves to the peace created and expected development.
The statement said the agreements between the feuding gates to settle their differences and allow for the selection of a substantive overlord of Dagbon was a “sign of great maturity, tact and patience.”
While commending the committee of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the former president said traditional leaders and the people of Dagbon must commit to living in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
“The people of Dagbon have gone through a difficult and painful period since 2002 and it is a sign of great maturity, tact and patience that the process of the burial ceremonies of the Yaa Naa and the investiture of the new Overlord have progressed in relative peace.”
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“Too many years have been wasted in a state of suspended conflict due to the lack of justice. It is now time to dedicate yourselves to peace and development, mindful of the complexity of your history. Let me also commend President Akufo Addo for his dedication to the work of the eminent chiefs and all who in diverse ways worked towards today’s climactic event.
I pray the government and the security agencies will continue to work in tandem with the new Overlord and the people of Dagbon to ensure and maintain lasting peace and security,” he said.
Rawlings also wished the new Yaa-Naa well and prayed for wisdom for him to lead Dagbon.
I wish Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama many years of wise and strong leadership and pray that peace and justice will prevail in Dagbon.
