Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, Overlord of Dagbon has promised that his administration would bridge the Andani-Abudu gap and draw up a development roadmap that will be beneficial to Dagombas and all the people of Dagbon.
“Dagbon has won, not Abudu or Andani and the fact that we all agreed to select one overlord is an indication that nobody is interested in the Abudu-Andani dichotomy.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency(GNA) in Yendi after his coronation, Ya-Na Mahama II said his pre-occupation was the total development of Dagbon and would therefore work with everybody to bring progress.
“We have been yearning for peace and now we have it - it is time for us to forge ahead as a people to achieve the development that had eluded us in the past years, due to the dichotomy,” he told the GNA at his Gbewaa Palace.”
He advised his sub chiefs against partisan politics as that had the tendency to undermine the peace and unity they were enjoying, adding “What I need from you now is to come out with ideas that will Fastrack[GE11] development.”
Ya-Na advised the Dagbon elites to formulate policies and programmes that would be beneficial to the people and denounce underhand dealings that could derail the development agenda they were putting in place.
“As the elites of Dagbon, you have the ears of the youth and therefore have the greatest responsibility of advising them to avoid doing anything that would hold back the development of our communities.”
Ya-Na Mahama appealed to the media to uphold high standards of professionalism and do away with controversial issues that could degenerate into conflicts and major misunderstandings.
“People see whatever the people put up there as the gospel truth and so if you churn out half-truths and falsehood, then you have the potential of creating troubles.”
He said during the 17-year vacuum, some of the media reportage had not been helpful for the unity and peace of the area as it ended up deepening the rift and called on all to be on their guard, overcome trivialities that could create confusion.
Ya-Na Mahama advised other chiefs to be patient for their turn as it was God that chose leaders in every society.
“I contested three times without getting it and this time around I was selected and I know that one day you will also have your turn.”
Ya-Na promised to also solve all their issues traditionally as that was key in enhancing unity among all stakeholders.
He appealed to other ethnic groups in Dagbon to lend their support for the development of the Kingdom and beyond.
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