The Savannah Regional Minister, Mr Salisu Be-Awuribe, has called on the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama and the King of Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuti Jewu Soale, to use their influence to solve the long standing chieftaincy crisis in Bawku.
He said the two chiefs were powerful and could use the powers within their jurisdiction as kings to solve the conflicts in the Bawku area.
The minister made the statement here at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo when the Overlord of Dagbon paid a reciprocal historic visit to the King of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuti Jewu Soale.
It is recalled that the Yagbonwura paid a historic visit to the Ndan Ya-Na at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi last June to discuss matters of unity, peace and development in their respective areas.
The minister said the influence of the two kings was paramount to solving the Bawku crises.
“Ndan Ya-Na and Yagbonwura this is your time as overlords of your respective kingdoms in the northern part of this country, the people of Bawku need your support to help them with your powerful kingdoms to solve the conflict in the area,” he stated.
He said the Ya-Na visit was a good one and it would go a long way to tighten the relationship between the two kingdoms for more development and peacefully co-existence among the kingdoms.
The minister however appealed to other kingdoms in Ghana to emulate the same gesture of Ya-Na and Yagbonwura.
Ndan Ya-Na Mahama Abukari in his speech said, his visit reflected the unity and cooperation that binds the two great kingdoms.
“My visit is occasioned by two overpowering reasons. Firstly, to reciprocate your historic visit to Dagbon and secondly to show our long overdue appreciation and gratitude for the tireless efforts of your predecessor, His Majesty Tumtunba Boresa II, in ensuring the resolution of the protracted Dagbon conflict,” Ndan Ya-Na stated.
Ndan Ya-Na said he was reminded of the protracted process the eminent kings went through and the crucial role that his predecessor, His Majesty Tumtunba Boresa II, played in mediating the conflict within Dagbon.
He said his “wisdom, diplomacy, and leadership” were instrumental in restoring peace to the Dagbon kingdom.
Ndan Ya Na stated that the contribution of Yagbon in finding peace for the people of Dagbon cannot be underestimated.
The overlord expressed his happiness on behalf of the people of Dagbon for their selfless contributions to their collective well-being, saying “a big thanks to the good people of Yagbon.”
He reminded of the deep bond that unite them over a century, adding “our communities have been intertwined through marriage, nurturing a deep and abiding connection.”
He called on them to draw strength from this union, recognising that their history and family ties were powerful foundation for cooperation and mutual support.
Ndan Ya-Na also said they would work together in every aspect of their lives, “upholding the values of unity, respect, and understanding” that had long characterised their relationship.
He, however prayed for Allah’s blessings in their heritage and the union between the two kingdoms.
The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuti Jewu Soale, thanked the Ya-Na for the reciprocal historic visit.
He told Ya-Na that his kingdom would continue to work with other kingdoms in the country to ensure that there was absolute peace in the country.
FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, DAMONGO
