Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, has advised the two flagbearers of the major political parties NPP and NDC, to embark on a peaceful campaign devoid of insults ahead of the 2024 general elections.
He also called for the promotion of peaceful elections, between Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama, who are both Northerners.
Sunday, June 23, marked a historic moment for Dagbon and Gonjaland, celebrating renewed unity and development when the Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewusoale I, the King of the Gonja Traditional Area, made a landmark visit to Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, in Yendi, the capital of Dagbon.
This is the first visit of its kind in over a century, aiming to strengthen the existing bond between the two kingdoms.
In his welcome address read on his behalf by Zangbalun Naa Dr Yakubu, his Spokesperson, he said, “Your Majesty, in few months, we will be going to the polls to elect a new President and Members of Parliament. Interestingly, the candidates from the two major parties are from the North, and I therefore call for a keen and issue-based campaign devoid of acrimony, and inflammatory language.”
Yaa Naa acknowledged the late Yagbonwura’s role in mediating the Dagbon peace process.
“We remember with deep respect and wisdom, that His Majesty Tutunba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa II, [the late Yagbonwura], and His Majesty Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, played an instrumental role in mediating the protracted conflict within Dagbon.”
He emphasised the existing bond between the Dagombas and Gonjas, highlighting their unity and shared heritage.
He stated that this historic visit opened the door for greater unity and understanding among all tribal kings in Ghana.
The Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura, also acknowledged the significance of this visit and the long-standing relationship between the kingdoms.
In a speech read on his behalf by Benkuru Wura Saaka Bakari, his secretary, Yagbonwura underscored the need for peace and harmony among the northern kingdoms.
He said the roles of the youth should not affect the decisions the rulers make.
“It is an honour to be in Gbewaa Palace with a high-powered delegation representing the good people of Gonja kingdom…We will be blamed if we allow the youth to make decisions for us in the discharge of our duties.
“The youth are our support base, and their roles should not affect the decisions we take in the course of our customary duties. We are not ready to practice the principles of dark and darkling.”
The Yagbonwura proposed an annual conference of kings in Northern Ghana to collectively develop the region.
Residents of both Gonja and Dagbon expressed excitement over the historic visit, highlighting its benefits for both kingdoms.
A resident Mary Basigi remarked, “The benefit is so great, we will never forget.”
Another resident Bentowura Peter Awusi also said, “Between the two kingdoms, we need absolute peace for development.”
The visit aims to reinforce unity, peace, and love between the two kingdoms. The occasion featured cultural displays from both regions, with the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa, performing the Gonja cultural dance.
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