Resolve differences to ensure burial of Ya-Na - Okyenhene

Tamale, August 10, GNA - The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has urged the chiefs and people of Dagbon to put the past behind them and resolve their differences amicably to pave the way for a befitting burial for the late Ya-Na Yakubu Andani, King of Dagbon.

He said although there was much pain and anguish over the manner in which the late king died, "the people of Dagbon owe it to posterity to learn to forgive one another and come together to give their late King the befitting burial that he rightfully deserves."

The Okyenhene said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Regent of Tamale, Gulkpe-Naa Alhaji Abdulai Ziblim at his palace on Tuesday. The Okyenhene was in the Northern Region as the Chairman of the Forest Plantation Development Fund Board (FPDFB) to present implements and tools to tree plantation and woodlot developers.

He said the pain that the people of Dagbon was going through was not theirs alone but that of the entire country, particularly the traditional rulers.

He assured the Gulkpe-Naa and his elders that he and his traditional area was ready to offer any useful suggestions and contributions they could help bring peace to Dagbon.

He reminded the Chiefs and people of Dagbon: "What matters most now is your unity and oneness as a people and not which gate one belongs to." Osagyefo Ofori Panin said the modern trend in chieftaincy demanded that traditional rulers complemented the development efforts of the government through initiatives such as environmental protection and the promotion of education and health.

The Gulkpena assured the Okyenhene that efforts were being made to bury the late Ya-Na soon but blamed "some elements" whom, he said, were preventing the elders from performing certain traditional rituals required before the late king could be buried.

The Okyenhene paid similar courtesy calls on the Regent of Tolon and the Kumbun-Na where he repeated his appeal for peace in Dagbon and the burial of the late King.