Rawlings congratulates new Yaa Naa; urges peace in Dagbon

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) founder also urged the people of Yendi to use this occasion to live in harmony.

In a statement released to the media, the former president praised the committee of eminent chiefs that broke the Dagbon peace deal, led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“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", the statement said.

There has been a protracted chieftaincy dispute in the Dagbon area since the late Yaa Naa, Yakubu Andani, and forty of his elders were murdered in 2002.

The investiture of the new Yaa Naa today brings an end to the legitimacy battle between the two gates in Dagbon, the Andani and Abudu royal families.

Check out President Rawlings' full statement below:

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.