John Dramani Mahama and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flag bearers of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been advised not to trade insults as they campaign for the 2024 general elections.
This is an advice coming from Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, the Overlord of Dagbon, calling on the two candidates to promote peaceful elections, especially when both of them are sons of the north.
His admonition came at the historic visit of Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewusoale, King of the Gonja Traditional Area, to the Overlord of Dagbon’s palace in Yendi, to celebrate the renewed unity and development between the two kingdoms Sunday, June 23, 2024.
The visit, according to history, is the first of its kind in over a century, and is expected to strengthen the existing bond between the two kingdoms.
During his welcome address presented by Zangbalun Naa Dr Yakubu, his Spokesperson, on his behalf, the Yaa Naa called on Dr. Bawumia and Mahama to focus on issue-based campaign devoid of attacks.
“Your Majesty, in few months, we will be going to the polls to elect a new President and Members of Parliament. Interestingly, the candidates from the two major parties are from the North, and I therefore call for a keen and issue-based campaign devoid of acrimony, and inflammatory language,” he read on the Ya Naa’s behalf.
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The Yaa Naa also acknowledged the late Yagbonwura’s role in mediating the Dagbon peace process.
“We remember with deep respect and wisdom, that His Majesty Tutunba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa II, [the late Yagbonwura], and His Majesty Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, played an instrumental role in mediating the protracted conflict within Dagbon,” he expressed gratitude.
He emphasised the existing bond between the Dagombas and Gonjas, highlighting their unity and shared heritage.
He stated that this historic visit opened the door for greater unity and understanding among all tribal kings in Ghana.
The Overlord of Gonjaland, the Yagbonwura, also acknowledged the significance of this visit and the long-standing relationship between the kingdoms.
In a speech read on his behalf by Benkuru Wura Saaka Bakari, his Secretary, the Yagbonwura underscored the need for peace and harmony among the northern kingdoms.
He said the roles of the youth should not affect the decisions the rulers make.
“It is an honour to be in Gbewaa Palace with a high-powered delegation representing the good people of Gonja kingdom…We will be blamed if we allow the youth to make decisions for us in the discharge of our duties.
“The youth are our support base, and their roles should not affect the decisions we take in the course of our customary duties. We are not ready to practice the principles of dark and darkling,” he stated.
The Yagbonwura proposed an annual conference of kings in Northern Ghana to collectively develop the region.
The visit aims to reinforce unity, peace, and love between the two kingdoms. The occasion featured cultural displays from both regions, with the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa, performing the Gonja cultural dance.
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