The Yagbonwura whose speech was read on his behalf by the secretary to the Gonja Traditional Council was addressing thousands of attendees at the Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu on Sunday 28th July 2024 during his historic visit to the Mamprugu Kingdom.

According to the king of Gonjaland, the north has the potentials and the needed human resources coupled with the numerous natural resources which might be exploited for the benefit of our people as well as the growth and development of the north.

“It is with gratitude that I convey to you felicitations from the Great Gonja Kingdom to the King and Overlord of the Great Mamprugu Kingdom my brother His Royal Majesty Nayiri Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga. I deeply extend my profound gratitude to the chiefs and people of Mamprugu for your outstanding dexterity of steering the affairs of Mamprugu to such an esteem pinnacle. It is with reverends and ecstasy to be in the Nayiri’s Palace today, with distinguished and high esteem delegation of Paramount Chiefs of the good people of the Gonja Kingdom, to extend my warmest greetings and to begin a historic dialogue between the two Kingdoms” He said.

He related that a similar historic visit was paid to the King and Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa, in June this year adding the visit was very fruitful as they re-ignited their cultural bonds and peaceful co-existence.

“The Gonja Kingdom is delighted to have this interface of interaction to reinforce our customs and traditions, deliberate on matters of peace and tranquility, general development and peaceful co-existence and to overcome conflict between the two Great Kingdoms. The best solution to matters of conflict is DIALOGUE and therefore must be considered a prerequisite to bringing peace” said Yagbon.

“Gonja and Mamprugu are tired of the over decade fire engagements at LUKULA and its surroundings. I therefore extend a hand of invitation to my brother the Nayiri for a dialogue to end these hostilities. The two kingdoms have a rich history of peaceful coexistence. This dates back to the 17th Century when our founder Ndewura Jakpa on his expedition from Mande met one of the overloads of Mamprugu who was then aged but full of wisdom. Their relationship was that of peace, respect and friendliness. After exchanging pleasantries and good counselling from the overlord, Ndewura Jakpa continued his mission to the present day Gonjaland. It is our duty as leaders to strengthen these bonds and promote unity and cooperation for the benefit of our people both present and future generation” said Yagbonwura.

Yagbonwura also indicated that Gonja and Mamprugu have a lot of things in common which are enough to promote long standing peace between the two Kingdoms.

Yagbonwura stated that leaders of these two great Kingdoms with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the Chairman of the Three Eminent Chiefs worked tirelessly with government and the good people of Dagbon to bring lasting peace to Dagbon.

He said the Kamara Clan among the Gonjas and Mamprusi are playmates, and this could form the basis of their peaceful co-existence and any patch-ups because we all know the value of playmateship.

Yagbonwura stated that the most interesting commonality, which is dubbed our commonality of the year is that, two energetic sons of the two Overlords are in a contest with others for the mantle of leadership to govern this country in the upcoming December 7th 2024 elections. Your Royal Highness, permit me to use this medium to advise our sons and daughters in all political parties contesting this year’s elections to do so in a manner that will not negatively affect the peace currently being enjoyed by this country. After all partisan politics is not about violence, it is simply to make a choice through the ballot box. It is equally our obligation to educate and encourage our people to exercise their democratic rights peacefully without 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.

He stated that as leaders they had the responsibility to ensure the rules and regulations of our electoral process as outlined by the Electoral Commission of Ghana were strongly adhered to.

The Yagbonwura intimated that history had repeated itself. for over a decade ago, his predecessor Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa of blessed memory on the same accord visited the Mamprugu Kingdom on the mission of strengthening the relationship between Gonja and Mamprugu.

“As leaders, we have a responsibility to influence and make positive impacts on our people. I believe this courtesy call will foster our commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation. Let us continue to commit ourselves to maintaining dialogue and effective communication to resolve conflicts peacefully, and promote an environment of tolerance, respect, and understanding among our people.”

He expressed his profound gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality accorded he and his delegation made up of 10 revered paramount chiefs of Gonjaland , his warriors, traditional dancers and Queen Mothers numbering over 500.

Yagbonwura again expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Nayiri for sending a powerful delegation to his enskinment and coronation respectively saying that his Royal Majesty’s participation added dignity and value to his coronation as King of the Gonja Kingdom.

“I am looking forward to you, Your Majesty for a dialogue session on matters of Lukula and its environs” .said the Yagbonwura.

He prayed that the historic visit of his marked the beginning of a new dawn of friendship and cooperation between the two great kingdoms.

The Yagbonwura made a royal donation made up of cola nuts, a 3 in one smock known as ” Kutumbi” in the Gonja language, and an undisclosed amount of money to the Nayiri and his elders.

Source – gbcuraonline.com.

The Nayiri made the passionate call during the courtesy visit by the King of Gonjaland, His Royal Majesty, Bi-Kunuto Jewu Soale I on the famous Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu, the traditional capital of the Mamprugu Kingdom and the administrative capital of the North East Region of Ghana.

In his welcome address read on his behalf by his secretary, the Nayiri emphasized the need for such a move saying it would afford the two kings the opportunity to mediate and find a lasting solution to the boundary dispute between them at Lukula and Mempeasem in the Janga Traditional Area of Mamprugu to ensure peaceful coexistence as well as the free movement of residents of both areas considering the long standing ties between them.

The Nayiri stated that the two kingdoms have many things in common as such there was the need to iron out the differences existing between their subjects so as to live in peace and harmony.

“Your Royal Majesty, your historic visit today marks a significant chapter in the enduring relationship between Mamprugu and Yagbon. As we gather here, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of history that binds our two great kingdoms, a bond woven with threads of friendship, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.

Our histories are intertwined in ways that reflect a deep-seated kinship. The ties between Yagbon and Mamprugu go back centuries, rooted in our shared heritage and cultural values. Our ancestors recognized the importance of unity and collaboration, fostering a relationship built on trust and camaraderie. This enduring bond has allowed us to weather many storms together, strengthening our resolve and commitment to each other. Today, as we stand united, we celebrate this rich legacy and reaffirm our dedication to preserving and nurturing it for future generations.

In a world that is constantly evolving, the security and prosperity of our people remain paramount. By fostering greater collaboration and sharing intelligence, resources, and strategies, we can build a relationship that promotes internal stability” said the Nayiri.

This partnership according to the Nayiri would not only preserve their territories but also served as a beacon of strength and unity, demonstrating to all that Mamprugu and Yagbon stand as one in the face of adversity.

“Your Royal Majesty, the boundary dispute between the two kingdoms has always been a sensitive one, but it is through dialogue and cooperation that we can find lasting solutions. Our goal is to resolve any disputes amicably, ensuring that the interests of our people are upheld and that peace prevails. Through mutual respect and understanding, we will work towards agreements that honor the historical claims and current realities of both Yagbon and Mamprugu. Let us approach these discussions with open hearts and minds, committed to finding lasting solutions that reflect our shared values and aspirations” said the Nayiri.

He disclosed that the government in 2022 through the collaborative efforts of the North East and Savanna Regional Coordinating Councils, instituted measures to address the issue and it was not possible due to lack of cooperation on the part of parties involved as well as lack of commitment on the part of government thus the call for the establishment of a Joint Mediation Committee baked by both Kings.

The Nayiri lamented that “some elements in the area in question have taken advantage of the volatile situation. Under the guise of security personnel and/or royals, they have been terrorizing community members, particularly in Lukula and Mempeasem. These thugs have succeeded in destroying the livelihoods of the poor residents in Mempeasem and Lukula. They have burned homes and destroyed properties, including livestock and farmlands. Many inhabitants have fled their homes and are now staying with friends and relatives in nearby communities. This should not be happening to people within our kingdoms”.

” Your Majesty, the institution of chieftaincy we both uphold is time tested and upholds values, custom and tradition enabling us to live peacefully together even in our diversity. I therefore urge the Youth of Ghana to respect traditional authority and uphold the values that bind us as a people. Desist from the use of social media in addressing their differences” said the Nayiri.

On election 2024, he said we must be proud of ourselves that two illustrious sons of Mamprugu and Yagbon are the two main contenders for Ghana’s Presidency adding it was a huge responsibility upon them. He therefore implored all to be of good conduct. He also cautioned the youth and the Political parties against polities of insults that would mare the current peace being enjoyed by the country.

The Nayiri urged the Electoral Commission to be open and transparent in every aspect of the processes leading to the December 7th elections and the subsequent declaration of the winner.

The Nayiri made a royal donation of 5 bulls, 5 bags of corn, cash amount of 10,000 cedis and a 3 in one smock to the king of Gonjaland and his subjects.

In attendance were hundreds of Paramount, Divisional and Sub-Chiefs as well as Queen Mothers of the Mamprugu Kingdom.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

Among the residents URAONLINE spoke to prio to Yagbon’s visit described it as historic adding it would cement long existing ties between the Mamprugu Kingdom and the Gonjaland and would also foster peaceful coexistence among them.

Some residents described the Yagbon’s visitation initiative as one aimed at uniting the entire North as one people with a common destiny.

Source – gbcuraonline.com