Rev. Stephen Y. Wengam
The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has paid tribute to the late King of Dagbon, Ya Naa Mahama Abukari II, describing his death as an “incalculable pain” to the church and the nation.
In a statement signed by General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Y. Wengam, the church expressed its deepest condolences to the people of Dagbon and acknowledged the unique historical bond between the church and Yendi, the traditional capital of Dagbon, where Assemblies of God, Ghana was founded in 1931.
“The passing of the Ya Naa therefore inflicts an incalculable pain on the leaders and members of Assemblies of God, Ghana,” the statement said.
The church praised the late monarch for his leadership in restoring peace and unity to Dagbon after years of conflict.
“We are somewhat consoled by the fact that Ya Naa has left indelible imprints on the rocks of time as a great man of peace.
His ground-breaking and paradigm-shifting leadership restored the oxygen of unity and traditional authority to Dagbon,” Rev. Wengam stated.
Ya Naa Mahama Abukari II reigned for seven years. The Assemblies of God said the impact of his reign should not be measured by its duration but by his contribution to reconciliation and healing in the Dagbon traditional area.
Citing Romans 13:7, the church said the greatest honour Ghanaians owe the late king is to uphold peace and pursue development in Dagbon.
“God the fountain of honour instructs us to give honour to whom honour is due. Assemblies of God, Ghana, thinks that the greatest honour Ghanaians in general, and the people of Dagbon in particular, owe the late King is to demonstrate a tenacious commitment to peace and relentless pursuit of development of the area,” the statement added.
The church concluded, “Ya Naa, Rest in Peace.”
Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II passed on after a seven-year reign that was widely credited with healing divisions in Dagbon following the 2002 crisis.
A Daily Guide Report