The new Regent of Dagbon, His Royal Highness Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, has pledged to preserve the kingdom's hard-won peace and uphold the rotational chieftaincy succession arrangement between the Andani and Abudu gates. He made this declaration on Friday, July 31, during his maiden address at the Gbewaa Palace, stating he would not undo his late father's legacy.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II emphasized that his foremost responsibility is to safeguard Dagbon's unity and stability following the passing of His Royal Majesty Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari II. He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace agreement that ended years of chieftaincy conflict in Dagbon. This commitment includes strictly adhering to the rotational succession arrangement between the two royal gates, which is crucial for regional stability.
This pledge comes at a critical juncture for Dagbon, a region with significant economic and political influence in northern Ghana. The stability of the chieftaincy institution directly impacts local governance, land administration, and the overall investment climate. Past conflicts have disrupted economic activities and deterred development, making the Regent's commitment to peace a vital factor for future progress.
Speaking through Zangbalun Naa Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, the Regent quoted his late father, stating, "My father was a builder. Not of monuments, though he built those too. He was a builder of peace. A builder of bridges of reconciliation." He added, "I love those who build bridges of peace, but I do not like those who destroy the peace." This highlights a clear intention to follow a path of reconciliation and unity.
The Regent described the rotational arrangement for chieftaincy succession as an expression of wisdom by those who recognized that lasting peace is more valuable than partisan victory. He stated, "It is the wisdom of men and women who understood that peace is more valuable than victory, and that a united Dagbon is stronger than the triumph of any single gate." This philosophy will guide the transition process.
Reflecting on his father's reign, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II noted that the late Yaa Naa consistently placed the kingdom's interests above those of any royal gate. He cited his father's decision to enskin more Abudu chiefs than Andani chiefs during his reign as an example of prioritizing peace over gate advantage. This act was described as his father's "greatest act of statesmanship."
The Regent assured the people of Dagbon that the process to enskin a new Yaa Naa would be conducted transparently and strictly in accordance with tradition and the existing peace agreement. This transparency is essential to prevent any resurgence of tensions and maintain trust within the community. The adherence to established protocols will be closely watched by all stakeholders.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II also cautioned against attempts to exploit the transition period for partisan interests. He firmly stated, "Let no one use this transition period to plant seeds of discord. Let no one exploit this solemn moment to advance gate interests over Dagbon's interests. I will not permit it." This strong warning underscores his resolve to protect the kingdom's unity.
Furthermore, the Regent pledged to continue the late king's development agenda. This includes the construction of the new palace, implementation of the Dagbon Ten-Year Development Plan, and the establishment of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Yendi Campus. Ongoing agricultural and energy partnerships will also remain a priority, aiming to foster economic growth and improve living standards.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic corps. Their presence signifies the national importance of Dagbon's stability and the transition process. The regency will oversee Dagbon's affairs until a new Yaa Naa is enskinned according to the kingdom's rotational succession agreement.