Although previous governments played some roles in ensuring lasting peace in Dagbon in the Northern Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government deserve special commendation for the restoration of peace in that part of the country, Togbe Afede XIV, President of the National House of Chiefs has said.

Speaking at the outdooring ceremony of the new Ya Na Abukari Mahama II in Yendi in the Northern Region on Friday, 25 January 2019, Togbe Afede called on all politicians to desist from comments that are likely to jeopardise the peace restored in the area.

He said: “Successive governments have played their roles but his excellency President Akufo-Addo and his government deserve special praise.

“I want to ask all our politicians to play their role very well. Very importantly, let us take out politics from Dagbon matters.

“Dagbon people are one, all perceived differences are political constructions. To our Dagbon brothers and sisters, I have a humble request, please remember that Dagbon cannot achieve much unless you stay united.

“We have a common desire for development. Let us join hands in pursuit of that objective so that we will leave a legacy of peace, unity and development for our children and grandchildren.”

Following the killing of the late Ya Na Yakubu Andani II in 2002, the John Agyekum Kufuor government set up a Committee of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to help find a solution to the crisis.

The committee in November 2018 presented a final road map for peace to President Nana Akufo-Addo. The road map also led to the successful performance of the funerals of Ya Na Abdulai and Ya Na Andani.

The kingmakers of Dagbon eventually selected Ya Na Abubakari Mahama II as the new overlord of the Dagbon traditional area.