The Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Abukari Yakubu, has appealed to the people of Dagbon, philanthropists and organisations to help complete the new Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
The appeal came after the Regent inspected the palace to see how work on the project was progressing.
The project was started by the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, as part of his vision to provide a befitting home for the Dagbon Overlord.
During the inspection, the Regent was accompanied by members of the Dagbon Development Committee.
He praised the committee for the work it had done so far but said there was still important work left to be completed.
“I am very impressed with the work done so far. In fact, my first thanks go to the committee members for the work done. They have put their time into the work which is why we’ve seen the good works done,” he said.
Kampakuya Naa Abukari Yakubu called on Dagbon citizens living in Ghana and abroad, as well as individuals and organisations, to contribute money and other forms of support to help complete the palace.
“I’ve seen that a little still needs to be done and I am using this to make a passionate appeal to all Dagbon sons and daughters to support. We are grateful,” he said.
He also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to honour his earlier promise to support the completion of the palace.
“I also want to thank His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama, for the commitment he made and I want to use this opportunity to humbly remind him to ensure he honours the pledge,” he said.
The new Gbewaa Palace was started by the late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II. His aim was to provide a suitable residence for the Dagbon Overlord and also help promote Dagbon as a tourist destination.
However, the project was still incomplete when the late Overlord died.
Chairman of the Dagbon Development Committee, Alhaji Amadu Savannah, said the committee hoped to complete the parts of the palace needed for the King to move in within the next five to six months.
He explained that the committee would first focus on the facilities needed before the funeral ceremony of the late Overlord.
He also appealed for more financial support to help the committee meet its target.
The Senior Regent of Dagbon, Gnandana Alhaji Mohammed Abdulai, Gbanlaa Kpema, also praised the committee for its efforts and called on the public to support the project.
He said completing the palace would help preserve the legacy of the late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, who started the construction.
The palace was originally expected to be completed in time for the late Overlord to celebrate this year’s Damba Festival there. However, that deadline was not met.
The committee is now working to complete the remaining work and make the palace ready for use.
