By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, May 16, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has praised Yaa Naa Abukari, the ruler of Dagbon and head of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, along with the chiefs and residents of Dagbon, for maintaining peace in the region.
The leader presented the recognition during a formal visit from members of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs at the presidential residence in Accra.
The group, headed by the Regent and Acting Overlord of Bimbilla Nyelinbolgu Naa Yakubu Andani Dasana II, on behalf of Yaa Naa Abukari, the Overlord of Dagbon and President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, visited the Presidency to commend President Mahama on his success in the 2024 general election.
President Mahama praised the members of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs for their dedication to promoting peace and preventing conflicts.
“Dagbon remains today as a strong emblem that even the toughest conflict can be settled through bravery, guidance, perseverance, and shared dedication to peace,” he stated.
The return of peace in Dagbon stands as one of the most notable instances of what Ghana is capable of accomplishing when traditional leadership, respected figures from the state, and local communities collaborate with sincerity.
He mentioned that experience must keep motivating initiatives to address disputes in other regions of the country.
As President, I strongly feel that Ghana’s progress cannot be solely propelled by Accra.
He stated that national transformation should be based in communities and supported by local involvement, which is why decentralization, responsibility, and public participation continue to be key elements of their governance strategy. He also mentioned that this is why the Chiefs’ suggestion for a new collaborative model between governments and traditional leadership is both appreciated and essential.
I want to assure you that this government does not view chiefs merely as symbolic individuals who are consulted from time to time. We regard traditional leaders as important partners in governance, peace promotion, community engagement, and development.
President Mahama stated that the Government’s Reset Agenda must therefore involve redefining the connection between state institutions and traditional leadership.
On Thursday, May 15, President Mahama stated that the Cabinet convened to examine the government’s reaction to the report from the Constitutional Review Committee.
“We did not address the issue of chieftaincy, but I am eager to see what changes have been made in that area because before the entire process began, I had urged the National House of Chiefs to submit their input so that they could be included in the constitutional amendments, thereby granting chiefs a more significant role in local governance,” he added.
President Mahama stated that the Northern Regional House of Chiefs’ presentation was highly appropriate and would assist the Cabinet in reviewing the report from the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee.
The Regent and Acting Overlord of Bimbilla Nyelinbolgu Naa Yakubu Andani Dasana, representing the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, suggested that the government transition from sporadic discussions with Chiefs to a formal collaboration.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
