The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private schools in the Yendi Municipality to enable students and staff to participate in the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 14, the GES indicated that the directive, which commenced at midday on Monday, July 13, will remain effective until Thursday, July 16, with full academic activities anticipated to resume on Friday, July 17.
The Service clarified that this decision was made after consultations with the Northern Regional Director of Education, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, and the Gbewaa Palace.
According to the GES, the temporary closure aims to pay tribute to the late King and to show respect for the cultural heritage and traditions of the Dagbon people during this mourning period.
Additionally, it instructed all students and staff members within the municipality to observe the mourning period, expressing confidence that parents, school authorities, and other stakeholders would comply with the directive.
Earlier, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, confirmed the decision explaining that the government sanctioned the closure to allow residents, including the school community, to engage in activities commemorating the passing of the Dagbon Overlord.
“Following the demise of the King of Dagbon, the Overlord, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, a decision was taken that to mourn the death of the King, public schools and also private schools have to close down,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Dagbon Traditional Council has announced that the third-day Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II will take place at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m.
The Council has extended an invitation to members of the public to attend the prayers and offer supplications for the repose of the soul of the late Dagbon Overlord.
