Former President Jerry John Rawlings and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Former President Jerry John Rawlings
has showered praises on President Akufo-Addo for restoring peace to Dagbon
which used to be a conflict-prone state.
He also commended the Committee of Eminent Chiefs
chaired by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for the role it played in
bringing lasting peace to Dagbon after more than 15 years of leadership crisis.
Mr. Rawlings stated: “Let me also commend
President Akufo-Addo for his dedication to the work of the Eminent Chiefs and
all who in diverse ways worked towards today’s climactic event.”
“I pray the government and the security agencies
will continue to work in tandem with the new overlord, and the people of Dagbon
to ensure and maintain lasting peace and security,” he stressed.
“I also commend the Committee of Eminent Chiefs
comprising the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana
Jakpa I and Nayiri, Naa Bohogu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, for their
painstaking efforts in bringing about this welcome development,” he added.
The Asantehene himself had thanked President
Akufo-Addo for the peace in Dagbon.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in a statement read on his
behalf by the Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe
II, said even though other presidents contributed to the peace process in the
past, it was Mr. Akufo-Addo, who fast-tracked everything and thus he
(Akufo-Addo) deserves praise.”
Focus On
Peace, Development
Meanwhile, the former president, in a message on
the occasion of the investiture of the new Yaa-Naa, Abukari Mahama II, on
Friday, January 25, 2019, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, Northern Region,
equally tasked citizens of Dagbon to devote themselves to peace and
development.
He also urged them to be very mindful of the
complexity of their history, moving forward.
The former president observed that it was time to
build Dagbon since many years have been wasted on fighting.
According to him, “The people of Dagbon have gone
through a difficult and painful period since 2002, and it is a sign of great
maturity, tact and patience that the processes of the burial ceremonies of the
Yaa Naas and the investiture of the new overlord have progressed in relative
peace.”
According to him, “The peace in Dagbon would be sustained if the traditional leaders and people in the area are committed to the fact that they are brothers and accept to dwell together in an atmosphere of peace and justice.”
By Melvin Tarlue
