Former president Jerry John Rawlings has called on the people of Dagbon to live in harmony to preserve the prevailing peace in the area.

Dagbon has been plagued with pockets of conflicts in over a decade following the assassination of the overlord Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II in 2002. A committee of eminent chiefs led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II mediated to pave the way for the enskinment of the new Yaa-Naa.

Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama was outdoored as the Overlord of Dagbon on Friday, 25 January 2019.

“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.

“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,” Rawlings said in a statement.

Below is the full statement

PRESS RELEASE

January 25, 2019

PRESIDENT RAWLINGS’ MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE YAA NAA AND PEOPLE OF DAGBON

On the occasion of the outdooring of Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama as the new King of Dagbon I wish to congratulate the King and people of Dagbon for this historic achievement.

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.

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.

I wish Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama many years of wise and strong leadership and pray that peace and justice will prevail in Dagbon.