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The Overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Area, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, has earnestly admonished President Akufo-Addo, to rescind on his decision to rename the Tamale International Airport after Yakubu Tali.

The plea became necessary after the President, during his penultimate State of the Nation Address on February 27, promised to rename the Kumasi Airport after the Asante King, Nana Prempeh I and the Tamale International Airport after Yakubu Tali.

This announcement has raised eyebrows within the Dagbon Traditional Area thereby necessitating the concerns raised by the Overlord, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.

The Dagbon overlord, in his letter to the president, said, "it is an unacceptable idea to me and the majority of citizens of Dagbon.”

Ya-Na Abukari II added that the "Gbewaa Palace has been inundated with calls and other forms of communicationas pleading that this proposal be shelved.”

He continued to state that, ”it is the considered opinion of many people and traditional leaders in the region that such recognition is bestowed on Na Gbewaa."

Below is Ya-Na Abukari II’s full letter.

I bring you fraternal royal greetings from the Gbewaa Palace, with fervent hope and prayer that you are in good health and high spirit. I would like to draw your attention to your wish to rename the Tamale International Airport as Yakubu Tali International Airport.

This is an unacceptable idea to me and the majority of citizens of Dagbon. The renaming of Tamale International Airport after Tolon Naa Yakubu will be contentious and counterproductive. It will draw our traditional state and entire Northern Region into needless controversy.

As then Ya-Na Abukari VII, I personally and voluntarily released the substantial lands covering the entire expansion areas of the airport to the government of Ghana to undertake this important infrastructural development.

Since this proposal was announced, the Gbewaa Palace has been inundated with calls and other forms of communications pleading that this proposal be shelved. It is the considered opinion of many people and traditional leaders in the region that such recognition is bestowed on Naa Gbewaa.

Accept my compliments of the highest consideration.