President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated he is not biased towards any of the two factions in Dagbon, and promised to ensure a peaceful environment for the new overlord, Ya-Naa Abukari Mahama II, to rule.
Over a decade chieftaincy conflict between the Abudus and the Andanis which has now ended, was said to have been deepened by political division between the two royal gates.
While the Abudus were said to lean towards the New Patriotic Party, the Andanis were equally claimed to be friends with the National Democratic Congress.
But speaking at the investiture of the new Ya-Naa Friday at Yendi in the Northern Region, the President said he has taken a middle ground, saying “I am neither Abudu nor Andani; I am an Abudani”.
New Ya-Naa opens Dagbon doors to investors
As an Abudani (a hybrid of Abudu and Andani), Nana Akufo-Addo said he “stands for unity, reconciliation and progress in Dagbon”.He expressed excitement over the peace prevailing in Dagbon following the enskinment and subsequent outdooring of the new Ya-Naa, which has closed the chapter on the 17-year-old conflict that left the Dagbon state without an overlord.
Nana Akufo-Addo said he is committed to ensuring that the current peace lasts.
“Ya-Naa, I make a commitment before you this day that I shall do everything in my power to as President of the Republic, to assist you to administer this state in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility,” he assured.
The President congratulated the Abudus and Andanis for cooperating with the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to ensure that peace prevails.
For 17 years, Dagbon was characterized by the conflict leading to the loss of lives and properties while others were maimed.
Government set up a Committee of Eminent Chiefs led by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to bring peace to the area. After back and forth amidst disagreements, the two factions committed to a peace roadmap which resulted in the performance of the final funeral rites for the two late overlords of the area.
The completion of the royal funerals by the Abudus and the Andanis paved the way for the custodians of the Dagbon kingdom to elect and enskin Savelugu Naa, Yoo Naa Abukari Mahama
In his inaugural speech read on his behalf by the Bo-Na, the Ya Naa Abukari II noted that a new dawn has begun for the people of Dagbon.
He uged investors to Dabgon their new destination, noting Dagbon have an array of rich resources which can be tapped.
His outdooring ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including former presidents, traditional leaders and political party stalwarts from all divides.
By Irene Amesimeku| 3news.com| Ghana