Manhyia Hosts Yaa Naa

Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama , the King of Dagbon in the Northern Region, officially visited the Manhyia in Kumasi, on Wednesday to take part in a grand ‘Awukudae’ festival.

The overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom was accompanied by a retinue of sub-chiefs, elders and subjects. He  and his delegation displayed a rich tradition that attracted wild cheers and applause from a large curious crowd.

The colourful durbar also saw the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sitting in state, being surrounded by Asante chiefs and some subjects.

The Yaa Naa, during his speech at the palace  stated emphatically: “I am here to officially thank Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his efforts in ensuring peace in the Dagbon Kingdom”.

For 16 long years, he recounted, the Asantehene and the two other eminent chiefs displayed diplomacy, wisdom and patience to solve the Dagbon crisis.

According to him, if total peace and unity had returned to Dagbon, then it was appropriate that he personally visited Manhyia Palace to thank the Asante King.

The Yaa Naa also lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo and other former presidents of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, Professor Evans Atta-Mills of blessed memory and John Dramani Mahama for their tireless efforts towards restoring everlasting peace to  Dagbon.

Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama, however, appealed to quickly Otumfuo to intervene so that confusion about the enskinment of the Nantong Naa skin would be resolved peacefully.

Otumfuo, in response,  said: “let it be clear to everyone at Dagbon that the Yaa Naa is the supreme leader of Dagbon so his pronouncements and wishes are binding on Dagbon people”.

He therefore appealed to all the stakeholders in the Nantong Naa enskinment case to exercise calm, assuring to play key roles to help resolve the matter.

At the tail-end of the colourful traditional ceremony, the Yaa Naa exchanged pleasantries with the Asantehene, amidst the blowing of traditional  horns and shouts of joy.