President John Dramani Mahama, on Monday, appealed to the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, to preserve the peace of the Dagbon traditional area.
“The peace of Dagbon is precious, and we must protect it through our words, our decisions and our treatment of one another. I encourage you to continue reaching out to families, communities, and generations.” The President said during a courtesy visit by the Regent.
The purpose of the visit was to introduce the new Regent to the President and to thank him for the support he gave the late Yaa Naa Abukari II during his illness by facilitating his medical treatment in South Africa, and ensuring his mortal remains were brought back to Ghana for internment in Yendi in the Northern Region after his demise.
The delegation was also at the Presidency to thank the President for his support and presence during the seven-day Islamic funeral of the late Yaa Naa Abukari and for gracing the installation of the new Regent.
President Mahama extended his condolences to the Regent on the passing of his friend and father, the late Ya-Na, saying, “We did everything medically possible to save his life, but Allah knows best, and none of us can prevent what Allah intends to happen,” he said.
“All we can do is to honour his service to Dagbon and Ghana, build on his legacy and consolidate what he stood for.”
He prayed that the memory of the late Yaa Naa would continue to inspire them to strengthen the bonds of unity and preserve the dignity of the traditional institutions entrusted to their care.
He said he was impressed by the determination of the new Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Il, to fulfil and consolidate his father’s legacy.
“Your father was a bridge-builder, and you have promised not only to maintain the bridges he built but to build your own bridges during your reign,” the President said.
President Mahama said his successful installation as Regent of Dagbon was a testament to the enduring peace that existed in Dagbon and had assumed a responsibility that called for wisdom, patience, consultation, and fairness.
He encouraged them to use their energies and talents to build their communities, uphold our traditions, and resolve differences through dialogue.
President Mahama said Government respected the customs, traditions, and institutions of Dagbon and that traditional authorities must have the space to discharge their responsibilities with respect and dignity.
He noted that their role as government was to support a peaceful and conducive environment, encourage dialogue where necessary, and ensure that every community feels secure.
He appealed to all concerned to exercise patience and restraint and to place the enduring interests of Dagbon above individual differences.
“Your Royal Highness, I wish to assure you that, as long as I remain President, Dagbon will receive its fair share of the development projects my government can undertake,” the President said.
He reiterated that roads, education, healthcare, agricultural livelihoods, and water supply would remain central to the partnership between government and our traditional authorities.
He noted that they had secured funding for the Tamale, Damongo and Yendi water systems, and the Minister of Finance was in the European Union, where the funding was approved.
“Work on these three water systems will commence very soon. In the meantime, we have financed the replacement of the old pumps at the existing waterworks at Dalong,” President Mahama said.
“By November, when the new pumps begin operating, Tamale will already see an increase in water supply, even before the EU-funded project begins.”
He asked the people to work together to keep their children in school, support their skills training and create opportunities that would give young people confidence in their future.
His Royal Highness Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, speaking through one of his chiefs, reiterated his commitment to implement the Peace of Dagbon, which was drawn by his late father, Yaa Naa Abukari II.
Present at the event were Dr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency; Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress; and Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South.