The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private schools within the Yendi Municipality to allow students and staff to observe the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, the GES said the directive, which took effect from midday on Monday, July 13, will remain in force until Thursday, July 16, with full academic activities expected to resume on Friday, July 17.
The Service explained that the decision was reached following consultations with the Northern Regional Director of Education, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive and the Gbewaa Palace.
According to the GES, the temporary closure is intended to honour the late King and demonstrate respect for the cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Dagbon during the mourning period.
It further directed all students and members of staff within the municipality to observe the mourning period, while expressing confidence that parents, school authorities and other stakeholders would cooperate with the directive.
Earlier, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, confirmed the decision to Citi News, explaining that the government approved the closure to enable residents, including the school community, to participate in activities marking the passing of the Dagbon Overlord.
“Following the demise of the King of Dagbon, the Overlord, Yaa-Naa Abukari II, a decision was taken that to mourn the death of the King, public schools and also private schools have to close down,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Dagbon Traditional Council has announced that the third-day Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa Abukari II will be held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m.
The Council has invited members of the public to attend the prayers and offer supplications for the repose of the soul of the late Dagbon Overlord.
