Minister cuts sod for construction of temporary Gbewaa Palace

Yendi (N/R), Sept. 19, GNA - The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ernest Debrah on Friday cut the sod for work to commence on the construction of a temporary Gbewaa Palace to pave the way for the burial of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, Paramount Chief Dagbon Traditional Area. Ya-Na Yakubu was killed along with 29 others in a fratricidal conflict between the Andani and Abudu Royal Gates to Ya-Na Skin in March 2002.

Other processes would include the relocation of the Ya-Na's widows and family in the temporary palace and arrangements would be made to find a new Ya-Na.

Heads of both Gates and other eminent chiefs were represented at the function, which was generally peaceful but had to start at 1430 hours instead of the scheduled 1000 hours due to the late arrival of some chiefs.

Tampion Lana, Alhaji Alhassan Andani, represented the Andani Gate while Mion Lana, Siblim Abudu, represented the Abudu Gate. There were smiles on the faces of the people that might be interpreted to mean that they were ready to live together in harmony to rebuild Dagbon.

A large crowd thronged there to witness the solemn ceremony. There was heavy security presence.

Mr Henri Abubakari Kaleem, a Representative of Committee of Eminent Chiefs set up to handle the traditional aspect of the conflict, in a welcoming address, called on the Kuga-Na, the Acting Regent of Dagbon, to involve both parties in the building exercise in the interest of peace.

He said the Committee recognised the importance of the building of the Palace and that it was necessary that all those who have traditional roles to play were allowed to do so to ensure that the outcome would be a joint effort.