Abdulai Zulkaninu – 23rd June 2024
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I the Overlord of Gonja Kingdom is calling for an annual conference of Kings and Chiefs in Northern Ghana with a focus on the collective development of the Northern parts of Ghana and ending conflicts that could potentially lead to Violent Extremism.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I made the call whilst on a day’s visit to the Gbewaa Palace to exchange pleasantries and foster relationships with Ndan Yaa-Naa Yakubu Mahama II at Yendi on Sunday 23rd, June, 2024.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I in his speech read by Benkruwura stated that
” I wish to propose the need to establish an annual conference of Kings and Chiefs in Northern Ghana focused on the collective development of the North in general. This will lead to promoting peace and unity and put a stop to potential Violent Extremism”.
He also noted such interface of Kings and Chiefs interaction will lead to strengthen customs and traditions, discuss matters of peace and tranquility, general development and peaceful co-existence and to overcome triggers of conflict and violent extremism in the Great Kingdoms.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I added that the bond of unity between Gonja and Dagbon Kingdoms existed far back with rich history.
The two kingdoms have a rich history of peaceful coexistence, cultural exchange, and economic ties. It is our duty as leaders to strengthen these bonds and promote unity and cooperation for the benefit of our people and future generations. The discourse of history of these two Great Kingdoms have built customary synergies herald towards development. This relationship, paved a way for peace pact and signing of joint treaties when the Asantehene Kwaku Dua (I) made the attempt to interfere with Gonja and Dagbon Kingdoms. The Great Kingdoms mutually rejected the conditions of the treaty. It was necessary so because of the wellbeing of the people of the Kingdoms.
He commended the fruitful peace enjoyed by both Kingdoms over the years.
“My brother, Ndan Yaa-Naa, the long-standing cordial and peaceful relationship between Gonja Dagbon is not born out of the blue. Gonja and Dagbombas are brothers, and Dagombas refers to Gonjas as MMABEHE and Gonja refers to Dagombas as NNIOPEBI. These historical antecedent traces its origin to one of the greatest Kings of Dagbon.
He further added that His Royal Majesty Yaa-Naa Dariziegu ruled Dagbon Kingdom from 1543-1554. Yaa-Naa Dariziegu was born by Gonja woman. That is why Gonja and Dagombas share relationship and are brothers and sisters and for that matter, the Gbewa Palace of Dagbon has a blood relationship with Gonja, he emphasized”.
He expressed gratitude to Dagbon Kingdom for assisting the Gonja Kingdom and Savannah Regional House Chiefs to ban communal hunting.
Recently, the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs in one of its meetings placed a total BAN on Communal Hunting in the Savannah region, this was duly communicated to Ndan Yaa Naa and he took an immediate action to support that course. I wish to thank my brother for supporting us in that regard. With this we can protect the ecosystem to the benefit of our people and generations yet unborn.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to influence and make positive impact on our people. I believe this courtesy call serve as an example of our commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation.
Let us continue to commit ourselves to maintain dialogue and effective communication, resolve conflicts peacefully, and promote an environment of tolerance, respect, and understanding among our people.
Jira Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I said it is best to work with the youth but not allow them to make decisions for the Palace.
“Ndan Yaa-Naa, the beautiful customs and traditions are handed over to us to lead the Kingdoms. We will be blamed if we allow the youth to take decisions for us in the discharge of our duties. The youth are our support base and their role should not affect any decisions or actions we take in the course of the discharge of our customary duties. In essence, we are not ready to practice the principles of the duck and the ducklings”.
Yagbonwura also noted that peace should reign in the lead up to the 2024 general elections. This can be achieved through education and sensitization to avoid violence.
As we head into an election year, it is our duty to educate and encourage our people to exercise their democratic rights peacefully and avoid electoral violence.
Election 2024 is about Ghana and we have to prove to the whole world that Ghana is capable and can manage its own affairs. The rules and regulations of our electoral process as outlined by the Electoral Commission of Ghana must be strongly adhered to. As Ghanaians, we have the task of choosing a leader to lead in the rightful way and this should supersede any other interests, he stressed.
Jira Yagbonwura commended the Yaa-Naa for the support during his installment and coronation in March 2023, and the support extended to the flood victims at Buipe.
Let express my gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the Great Gonja Kingdom. My speech would not be conclusive if I don’t express my profound gratitude and appreciation to Ndan Yaa-Naa for sending a powerful delegation to my enskinment and coronation and more particularly, your extension of support to the flood victims which occurred in the Buipe Traditional area. Gonja is grateful.
Your splendid appearance added value and dignity to my coronation ceremony and I look forward to fruitful discussions and collaborations for the mutual benefit of our kingdoms.
May this historic visit today marks the beginning of a new era of friendship and cooperation between Gonja and Dagbon.
The delegation of both Kingdoms included chiefs and Queen mother’s
