A former president, Jerry John Rawlings, is hoping for lasting peace in
Dagbon following the coronation of Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, after
nearly two decades of conflict over who becomes the new Yaa-Naa.
The last overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II died in 2002.
Rawlings, in a 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.”
“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 for development.
He also commended President Akufo-Addo who took a personal interest in
the situation in Dagbon, and worked to ensure that a new Yaa-Naa was
selected and peace restored to the area.
“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.”
Rawlings prays for sustained peace in Dagbon after Yaa-Naa outdooring
