Yo-Na Abubakari Mahama, who is the new Ya-Naa-elect
The committee of Eminent Chiefs, headed by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu has urged all Dagombas to give the necessary respect and recognition to the newly installed overload of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama.
In a statement, the Otumfuo-led committee said: “The committee appeals to all Dagombas especially the Abudus and Andanis to accord the due recognition and obeisance to the new Ya-Naa as we chart a new course for lasting peace in Dagbon”.
The committee also commended the kingmakers for a successful selection of a new leader for the kingdom.
Also in a statement, former President John Mahama said “after many years of hard work, negotiations, long meetings, disagreements, traditional considerations and agreements, we celebrate the efforts of successive governments for this day as Dagbon has finally seen peace”.
Meanwhile, the Bolini-Lana Mahamadu Abdulai on Friday endorsed the selection of the Chief of Savelugu and leader of the Andani Royal Family, Yoo Naa Abukari Mahama as new Ya-Naa.
In a congratulatory message, the Bolin-Lana assured the new Ya-Naa of his unflinching loyalty saying: “so as he leads us when he looks back, he will see me.”
Describing the new Ya-Naa as his grandfather, the Bolin-Lana, further in accordance with the best traditions of Dagbon, sent a high-powered delegation from the Abudu Royal family led by the Regent of Tolon, Major Sulemana Abukari, Regent of Diare and Mba Dugu Iddrisu Iddi, to formally congratulate the new Ya-Naa.
“It is our prayer that the Almighty Allah will grant him the wisdom to lead and unite Dagbon as we enter into a new dawn of reconciliation, friendship, brotherliness, and unity,” the Bolin-Lana said in his message.
Goodwill Message From President Akufo Addo;
President Nana Akufo-Addo has congratulated Yo-Na Abubakari Mahama, who is the new Ya-Naa-elect for the Dagbon Traditional Area.
Nana Akufo-Addo in a statement, spoke of his excitement hours after news broke that the paramount chief of Savelugu has been selected after the successful final funeral rites of the late Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani II.
“Today is a happy day for the good people of Ghana. At long last, the people of Dagbon have, by the grace of God, a new Ya-Naa, bringing to an end decades of division, strife and tension in Dagbon.
“The people of Dagbon, especially the Andani and Abudu Royal families, are to be congratulated for this achievement, and for ensuring that the funerals of Ya-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV and Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani II were held and concluded peacefully, bringing us to this very happy day,” he said.
The President also thanked the Committee of Eminent Chiefs chaired by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, together with the Overlord of Mamprugu, the Nayiri, Naa BohuguAbdulai Mahami Sheriga.
The Committee also included the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, the Yagbonwura, Tuntumba BoresaSulemana Jakpa, for working so hard and with such determination to help us realise this memorable occasion. I salute their high sense of statesmanship and patriotism.
“The Kampakuya Naa, Yakubu Abdulai Andani, and the Bolin-Lana, Abdulai Mahamadu, are on their part to be commended for the constructive roles they played towards ensuring the completion of the funerals of their respective fathers, and for their subsequent words of acceptance, and declaration of loyalty to the new Ya-Naa.
“The security agencies are to be applauded for exhibiting professionalism in guaranteeing, despite one or two regrettable incidents, the peace of the area throughout this difficult period,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo is hopeful that the people of Dagbon will give the newly installed Ya-Naa the needed help and support so as they help the new Ya-Naa lay the basis for the rapid development of Dagbon in unity and solidarity.
“I am confident that the new Ya-Naa will steer ably the affairs of Dagbon, move swiftly to place the Kampakuya Na and the Bolin Lana in their rightful positions in the Kingdom, and help bring lasting peace and unity to one of the most ancient traditional states of our nation.
“He is an experienced and mature man, a man who loves his people, and a man who will work to ensure that Dagbon prospers, and offers opportunities for its youth to enhance their lives in normalcy and security,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo assured Yo-Na Abubakari Mahama him and the entire people of Dagbon of government’s support in helping to restore Dagbon to its former glory and greatness.
