The National Peace Council (NPC) has called on the people of Dagbon to preserve the kingdom’s hard-won peace and unity as it enters a regency period following the funeral rites of the late Yaa Naa Abukari II.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 31, the Council urged chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, women, youth and all sons and daughters of Dagbon to support the newly installed Regent and ensure that the transition to the next Yaa Naa is conducted peacefully and in accordance with established customary processes.
The appeal follows the successful completion of the funeral rites of the late king, including the First and Second Bɔglilɔgbu, and the orderly enskinment of the Regent, which the Council described as a significant demonstration of unity, discipline and respect for tradition.
The NPC said the peaceful conduct of the ceremonies reflected the strength of Dagbon’s traditional institutions and the collective commitment of its people to resolving differences through dialogue and respect for customary norms.
The Council expressed confidence that the same spirit of cooperation should guide the kingdom throughout the regency period.
It also encouraged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the Dagbon Constitution and the agreed customary roadmap for selecting the next Yaa Naa, stressing that an inclusive and peaceful succession process would be critical to consolidating peace in the kingdom.
The Peace Council extended its condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family, chiefs, elders and the people of Dagbon, describing the late Yaa Naa’s reign as one marked by wisdom, humility and dedication to reconciliation, justice and unity.
According to the Council, the late king’s leadership helped strengthen traditional governance and underscored the importance of peace as the foundation for development and social cohesion.
The NPC also commended the Government of Ghana and the various security and emergency agencies for their professionalism and effective coordination throughout the funeral ceremonies.
Among the institutions recognised were the Ministry of the Interior, the National and Regional Security Councils, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service and the National Ambulance Service.
The Council further praised the contributions of the clergy, the Muslim community, women and youth groups, civil society organisations, volunteers, development partners and the media, whose cooperation it said contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct of the ceremonies.
It urged journalists and members of the public to continue promoting responsible communication by verifying information before sharing it and avoiding inflammatory content capable of undermining peace.
Reaffirming its commitment to supporting peacebuilding efforts in Dagbon, the NPC said it would continue working closely with the Dagbon Traditional Council and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains made in the kingdom.
The statement, signed by Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Peace Council, concluded with prayers for the eternal repose of the late Yaa Naa and wisdom, strength and good health for the Regent as he leads Dagbon through the transition period.
