Yaa-Naa's enskinment: No more parallel authority in Dagbang

The enskinment of His Royal Majesty, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II as the new King of Dagbang has discontinued the parallel authority which lasted for decades in the Traditional Area.

In the past, the Abudu family revered the Boling-Lana Abdulai Mahamadu and were subservient to his dictates even though the Kampakuya-Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani was the Acting Overlord of Dagbang.

The annual Damba festival was usually characterised by sharp divisions and the Abudus often converged at the Mba Dugu House for the celebration while the Andani family and government functionaries joined the Kampakuya-Naa at the then temporary Gbewaa Palace.

It was the wish of President AbuDani Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo that Dagbang would have had a new Yaa-Naa ahead of the 2017 Damba festival.

Now that Dagbang can boast of a new Yaa-Naa, the 2019 Damba festival would be celebrated in a grand style at the forecourt of the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

As the special Guest of Honour at the historic investiture of His Royal Majesty, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, the President, AbuDani Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo implored Dagombas to bury their differences and unite for a common purpose.

He pleaded with the new Yaa-Naa, His Royal Majesty, Abukari Mahama II to serve as a unifier.

"As the King of one of the most ancient traditional states in the country, Yaa-Naa Mahama II should use his experience and maturity to ensure that Dagbang prospers and offers opportunities for its youth to enhance their lives in normalcy and security.”

“Today is a happy day for the good people of Ghana. At long last, the people of Dagbang have, by the grace of God, a new Yaa-Naa bringing to an end decades of division, strife and tension in Dagbon."

The President further asked the new Yaa-Naa to as a matter of urgency find suitable positions for the two Regents, the Kampakuya-Naa and the Boling-Lana.

“Move swiftly to place the Kampakuya Naa, Abdulai Andani and the Boling-Lana Abdulai Mahamadu in their rightful positions in the Kingdom to bring about lasting peace and unity to Dagbon.”

He commended the people of Dagbang and all the major stakeholders for their immense contributions to the restoration of peace and blessings in the Dagbang Traditional Area.

He profoundly thanked the Asantehene led Mediation Committee of Eminent Chiefs for their hard work.

President AbuDani Akufo Addo announced that works on the Yendi Water Expansion project would soon commence.

He reaffirmed his administration's determination to ensure that Dagbang would be greater and stronger than ever.



Yaa-Naa Abukari II

In a speech read on his behalf, His Royal Majesty, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II promised to be a father for all in the Dagbang Traditional Area.

"Let me assure all the people of Dagbang that for the rest of my active life, long or short, I will be devoted to the service of Dagbang. I shall endeavour to uphold the dignity and pride of Dagbang. I shall uphold the customs and traditions of Dagbang. I shall strengthen the good and friendly relations Dagbang has with all of its neighbours and beyond."

He called for genuine reconciliation and unity to attract investors and development partners.

He thanked government, the three Eminent Kings Mediation Committee, the Dagbang Malima Zungo (DAMAZ) association, individuals and organisations whose hard work elevated him to the highest level of the Dagbang Namship.

Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II reminded government of the need to build a befitting Palace for the Dagbang State.

Solidarity messages

There were solidarity messages from the National House of Chiefs, the National Peace Council, Chairman of the three Eminent Kings Mediation Committee and the Dagbang Forum (DF).

Dignitaries present

Former President John Dramani Mahama, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Political leaders, the Clergy, representatives of the 10 Regional Houses of Chiefs among others graced the historic event.

A vibrant media presence there drew the world's attention to the historic event.

Before, during and after the event, nothing untoward happened because the security operatives there stood up to the occasion.

There was a rich display of traditional regalia, horses and variety of cultural entertainment.

The event was proudly sponsored by the National Communications Authority (NCA) and MTN Ghana.