Let’s help new Yaa Naa develop Dagbon

History was made yesterday when after a 17-year protracted chieftaincy dispute, the people of Dagbon were able to finally ‘outdoor’ Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II as the overlord of the traditional area.

While we celebrate with the people of Dagbon for smoking the peace pipe which was a precursor to the nomination and installation of a new Yaa Naa, the Daily Graphic believes that it is in order to congratulate the various Presidents, the Committee of Eminent Chiefs and all the leaders of Dagbon who contributed to the peace that the area now enjoys.

However, it will not be out of place to single out the current President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for commendation for his role in bringing closure to the chieftaincy dispute in Dagbon.

Disputes and wars everywhere are inimical to development and the prolonged conflict between the two main factions that were involved in the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis prevented much needed development in the capital, Yendi, and other areas in the traditional area.

It is, therefore, the hope of the Daily Graphic that with peace restored in the area, all the resources that were channelled into keeping the peace will now go into developing Dagbon to bring it at par with other areas of the country.

We are happy that President Akufo-Addo has already announced that a $30 million water supply project that will replace the dilapidated water system in Yendi and its catchment area has been approved by his Cabinet but waiting for parliamentary approval for work to commence immediately.

We urge Parliament to expedite action on the project so that contractors can start work in earnest to provide the people of Dagbon with potable water. Water, they say is life, and the significance of the project cannot be overemphasised.

The Daily Graphic thanks the government for its foresight in starting off with improving Yendi’s water system but believes other needed basic infrastructure must follow soon not only to bring prosperity to the people but also restore the glory of the Dagbon traditional area.

The government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of developing Dagbon so we urge successful well-meaning indigenes of the area, as well as business owners, to set up in the area to offer employment to the teeming youth who are forced to move down south due to the lack of opportunities.

Overall, we urge all leaders and chiefs in the area to work together in unity, sustain the peace and assist the new Yaa Naa to attract development to the area and Dagbon will truly be the winner.