Politicians must not meddle in chieftaincy issues — Dagbon Regent

The Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Na, Yakubu Abdulai Andani II, has appealed to politicians not to meddle in chieftaincy issues, since such interferences could throw the sacred institution into a state of confusion and conflict.

He said traditional authorities had a responsibility to resolve such matters because the chieftaincy institution had its own succession plans, structures and documentation to guide it in its affairs. 

According to the Kampakuya Na, politics had no place in the time-tested customs and traditions of Dagbon, for which reason politicians should desist from engaging in activities that had the potential of unsettling the chieftaincy affairs in the kingdom.

Anniversary

The regent made the appeal during activities marking the 15th anniversary celebration of the demise of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, in Yendi in the Northern Region last Monday.

The solemn event that was organised by the Gbewah Palace, in collaboration with the Dagbon Peace Forum, was attended by Dagombas both home and from the diaspora.

The late Ya-Na was murdered by some unknown assailants in March 2002; and 15 years after his demise, the government is yet to bring the matter to a closure to ensure lasting peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area.

Peace

The Kampakuya Na also entreated members of the two Royal Gates in the Dagbon Chieftaincy divide, Abudu and Andani, not to engage in activities that could disturb the prevailing peace in the area.

According to the regent, “We must put our interests aside and allow the long-tested customs of Dagbon, which have been entrusted into the  hands of custodians of our traditional norms and practices, to prevail, instead of taking the law into our own hands at the least provocation.”

He indicated that eliminating poverty, ignorance and disease should be the prime concern of all. The regent, therefore, asked the people to direct their efforts to fight those ‘cancers’ to pave way for the accelerated development of Dagbon.

Support

The Kampakuya Na further called on Ghanaians to pray for the nation and also support President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government to succeed in their determination to propel the country to growth.

He also expressed appreciation to security personnel stationed in the area to ensure peace for their sacrifices and hard work over the years.