*CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KING OF DAGBANG, NDAN YAAN NAA MAHAMA ABUKARI II*

*CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KING OF DAGBANG, NDAN YAAN NAA MAHAMA ABUKARI II* – Educate Ghana Summit’s Dep. Gen. Secretary.

If there were an opportunity for people to decide whether the sun should set at dusk after it has risen from dawn or not, the people of Dagbang and Dagbamba to be specific, would make that decision on the 25th of January, 2019. The day was full of joy as the Gbewa Palace was painted with people from all walks of life, indigenes as well as non-indigenes, who were there to share in the excitements which put smiles on the faces that for almost two decades now, were known for sorrow and despair. A day that saw the injection of hope and sense of unity into the youth of Dagbang, emancipating their minds, being an allied of either of the two Royal gates ie Abudu and Andani, as chiefs and regents of both gates were seen sitting in front of one man, the King of Dagbang, Ndan Yaan Naa Mahama Abukari II.

Friday, 25th January, 2019 saw a historic event; an event which marked the end of the processes of Enskinment of a Yaan Naa, which some referred to as coronation, investiture or outdooring of a new Yaan Naa. I go with those who said outdooring because, after the final funeral rites of Ndan Yaan Naa Yakubu Andni II on 18th January, 2019, a new Yaan Naa was delivered by the oracles that were consulted. The new king was taken through series of spiritual activities ranging from him being sent to “Katini , Zohi, Mba Dugu house”. During this period, not everybody is allowed to see the King. The event that took place on 25th January, 2019 was meant to give everybody the opportunity to see the King for the first time after his selection as Yaan Naa. It was also an opportunity for chiefs to come and pay homage to their new King as custom demands. The new King was also expected to give to the “Lunsi, Goonje, Akarima” his drum names.

All the above customary practices could have been swallowed by what I will call a novelty in the event that has occurred 37 times before in the history of Namship in Dagbang. Novelty because there were speeches from the chairman of the Peace Council, chairman of committee of eminent chiefs, president of the National House of Chiefs and President of the Republic of Ghana. These speeches were necessary because of the peculiarities of the process that led to that particular gathering.

The role played by the committee of eminent chiefs cannot be downplayed and hence they need commendation. The overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Mahami Bohigu Shariga, the Yangbonwura of Gonja land and Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, your resilience and unflinching efforts, your patience and above all, your ability to accommodate the name callings from both royal gates during the mediation process is celebrated by the people of Dagbang. With this, I say “Ni yi kpang manga, Ni yi kookali. Naawuni ni yo sam’velli”.
The commitment of successive governments and the bold decisions of the current president, Abudani Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo deserve special commendation as the works of the Asantehene-led committee would have been meaningless without state intervention.

The sacrifices and compromises the regents of the two former Kings of Dagbang, Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani and Bolin Lana Abdulai Mahamadu, made during the mediation process are a force to reckon with in the peace Dagbang celebrates today, and, for that, they need to be applauded. It is my prayer that, they will continue to cooperate as grandchildren of same great grandfather, Naa Yakubu Nantoo.

In congratulating you Ndan Yaan Naa, Educate Ghana Summit wishes you long life, and prays that the Almighty Allah give you wisdom to rule Dagbang. We again pray that as contained in your speech that was read on your behalf, you be just to all people under your leadership whether they are Konkomba or Chekosi, whether they are Gongas or Mamprusi, whether they are Abudu or Andani. May your reign bring sustained peace, unity and prosperity to Dagbang.

Long live Ndan Yaan Naa Mahama Abukari II
Long live Dagbang
Long live Ghana

Signed

Mr. Boadi William
CEO/Educationist/Motivational Speaker.
+233541935106.

Dr. Sulemana Hafiz Abubakari
0248963571
Deputy General Secretary
Educate Ghana Summit.

www.educategh.org we educate the nation.