Mahama calls for restraint and dialogue to sustain peace in Dagbon
President John Dramani Mahama has called on chiefs, elders and the people of Dagbon to exercise restraint, promote dialogue and prioritise the collective interests of the kingdom to sustain the peace currently prevailing in the area.
He said preserving peace required a shared commitment from all stakeholders, urging traditional authorities to continue building bridges across families, communities and generations.
President Mahama made the call when the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu II, and a delegation of chiefs and elders paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House.
“The peace of Dagbon is precious, and we must protect it through our words, our decisions and our treatment of one another,” he said.
The President commended the Regent for his determination to uphold the legacy of his late father, the Ya-Na, whom he described as a bridge-builder. He urged him to build on that legacy by strengthening unity and ensuring that the kingdom’s traditional institutions continued to command respect and dignity.
He said the Regent had assumed a responsibility that required wisdom, patience, consultation and fairness, expressing confidence in his ability to work with chiefs, elders and the people to consolidate peace in Dagbon.
“Your successful installation as Regent of Dagbon is a testament to the enduring peace that currently exists in Dagbon,” President Mahama stated.
He assured Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu II of the government’s support and cooperation, promising to maintain open channels of communication with the Gbewaa Palace and respond respectfully to concerns brought to his attention.
The President also appealed to all parties to exercise patience and restraint in resolving disagreements, stressing that the long-term interests of Dagbon must take precedence over individual differences.
“I therefore appeal to all concerned to exercise patience and restraint and to place the enduring interests of Dagbon above individual differences,” he said.
President Mahama emphasised the importance of involving young people in sustaining peace, encouraging them to use their talents to develop their communities, uphold their traditions and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“Let us encourage them to use their energies and talents to build their communities, uphold our traditions and resolve differences through dialogue,” he added.
Beyond peace and traditional leadership, the President said the people of Dagbon deserved to see stability translate into improved livelihoods, stronger public services and greater opportunities for their children.
He pledged that Dagbon would receive its fair share of government development projects, identifying roads, education, healthcare, agricultural livelihoods and water supply as key priorities.
President Mahama also disclosed that funding had been secured for water projects in Tamale, Damongo and Yendi, with work expected to commence soon. He added that the replacement of old pumps at the existing waterworks at Dalong had been financed, with the new pumps expected to begin operating in November to improve water supply to Tamale.
He urged the Regent and the traditional authorities to continue working with government institutions to identify and address the pressing needs of their communities.
President Mahama expressed confidence that sustained cooperation between the government and the Gbewaa Palace would help preserve Dagbon’s peace while advancing its development agenda.
