Yaa Naa calls for peaceful election campaigns and promotes unity

Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, has appealed to the flagbearers of the two major political parties in Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to conduct their campaigns peacefully and refrain from using insults as the country approaches the 2024 general elections.

He made this remark during a historic visit of Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewusoale I, the King of the Gonja Traditional Area on Sunday, June 23, to Dagbon in hopes of strengthening the ties between the two kingdoms.

In his message, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful elections, particularly focusing on the two leading candidates, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and John Dramani Mahama of the NDC, both of whom hail from Northern Ghana. The Overlord highlighted the need for a harmonious electoral process to foster national unity and stability.

“Your Majesty, in few months, we will be going to the polls to elect a new President and Members of Parliament. Interestingly, the candidates from the two major parties are from the North, and I therefore call for a keen and issue-based campaign devoid of acrimony, and inflammatory language.”

Yaa Naa acknowledged the late Yagbonwura’s role in mediating the Dagbon peace process.

“We remember with deep respect and wisdom, that His Majesty Tutunba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa II, [the late Yagbonwura], and His Majesty Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, played an instrumental role in mediating the protracted conflict within Dagbon.”

He stated that this historic visit opened the door for greater unity and understanding among all tribal kings in Ghana.

The Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura, also acknowledged the significance of this visit and the long-standing relationship between the kingdoms.

In a speech read on his behalf by Benkuru Wura Saaka Bakari, his secretary, Yagbonwura underscored the need for peace and harmony among the northern kingdoms.

He said the roles of the youth should not affect the decisions the rulers make.

“It is an honour to be in Gbewaa Palace with a high-powered delegation representing the good people of Gonja kingdom…We will be blamed if we allow the youth to make decisions for us in the discharge of our duties.

“The youth are our support base, and their roles should not affect the decisions we take in the course of our customary duties. We are not ready to practice the principles of dark and darkling.”

The Yagbonwura proposed an annual conference of kings in Northern Ghana to collectively develop the region.