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Former President Jerry John Rawlings has opined that so long as the traditional leaders and indigenes of Dagbon see themselves as brothers and "agree to live in an atmosphere of justice, peace and harmony," peace will reign in Dagbon.

In a congratulatory message to Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama, on the occasion of his investiture as the Overlord of Dagbon, the former President bemoaned the wasted years as a result of the conflict.

"Too many years have been wasted in a state of suspended conflict due to the lack of justice. It is now time to dedicate yourselves to peace and development, mindful of the complexity of your history," Mr Rawlings said.

Whiles commending all stakeholders for their role in ensuring that the Dagbon crisis comes to a peaceful end, the former president tasked government and the security agencies to continue working "in tandem with the new Overlord and the people of Dagbon to ensure and maintain lasting peace and security".


Read the full statement below:


PRESIDENT RAWLINGS’ MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE YAA NAA AND PEOPLE OF DAGBON

On the occasion of the outdooring of Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama as the new King of Dagbon I wish to congratulate the King and people of Dagbon for this historic achievement.

The people of Dagbon have gone through a difficult and painful period since 2002 and it is a sign of great maturity, tact and patience that the process of the burial ceremonies of the Yaa Naa and the investiture of the new Overlord have progressed in relative peace.

I also commend the committee of eminent chiefs namely the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I and Nayiri, Naa Bohogu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga for their painstaking efforts in bringing about this welcome development.

Peace will be perpetuated in Dagbon if the traditional leaders and people of Dagbon commit to the fact that they are brothers and agree to live in an atmosphere of justice, peace and harmony.

Too many years have been wasted in a state of suspended conflict due to the lack of justice. It is now time to dedicate yourselves to peace and development, mindful of the complexity of your history.
 
Let me also commend President Akufo Addo for his dedication to the work of the eminent chiefs and all who in diverse ways worked towards today’s climactic event.

I pray the government and the security agencies will continue to work in tandem with the new Overlord and the people of Dagbon to ensure and maintain lasting peace and security.

I wish Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama many years of wise and strong leadership and pray that peace and justice will prevail in Dagbon.

Issued By:

 

Kobina Andoh Amoakwa

(Communications Directorate)