The Ya-Na and his entourage at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi
THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned against sabotaging the peace and security currently being enjoyed by the people of Dagbon in the Northern Region.
He said it had taken dedication and hard work to bring peace to the Dagbon Kingdom after a protracted chieftaincy dispute and the Ya Na Yakubu Mahama should be allowed to rule in peace.
According to the Asante King, it is time to rally behind the Ya Na to transform the area.
The Asantehene’s comment was in reaction to a complaint the Ya Na made through a spokesperson that a certain ‘self-styled’ chief in Nanton had illegally been occupying the skin since March 31, 2019 and attempts to get him out of the skin had proved futile.
The Ya Na had led a powerful delegation of chiefs to partake in an ‘Awukudae’ festival, which was held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Wednesday.
The Ya Na and his delegation were also at the seat of the Asante Kingdom to officially thank Otumfuo for his wisdom, efforts and the key roles he played for 16 years which contributed to restore lasting peace to Dagbon.
The Asantehene gave an assurance that he and Asanteman would continue to work closely with the people of Dagbon so that the peace and unity that had been restored to the area would survive and lead to massive progress. He appealed to the Ya Na Yakubu to continue to work and improve on the unity that exists between the various stakeholders in Dagbon.
The Otumfuo assured of his readiness to intervene to help resolve the Nanton Naa enskinment issue and urged the people of Dagbon to remain calm.
Speaking through a spokesperson, the Ya Na said, “We trust you can facilitate the assumption of duty of Nantong Naa Mahama,” adding that Dagbon and Asante are brothers and he was happy that the bond between the two kingdoms had been deepened now.
He said the people in his kingdom are grateful to Otumfuo and the other eminent chiefs, the Nayiri and Yagbonwura, for helping to restore peace to his kingdom.
He thanked President Akufo-Addo for his vital role in ensuring peace in Dagbon, adding that former Presidents John Kufuor, John Mills and John Mahama also deserved to be praised for their efforts.
The Ya Na also said he appreciates the key roles currently being played by Otumfuo and President Akufo-Addo, especially in the performance of funeral rites of Dagbon chiefs and the successful enskinment of their successors.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi