GES Closes All Yendi Schools for Funeral Rites of Late Dagbon Overlord Yaa-Naa Abukari II

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a temporary suspension of academic activities across all public and private schools within the Yendi Municipality. This directive, which took effect from midday on July 13 and runs until July 16, 2023, is intended to allow students, teachers, and administrative staff to participate in the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II. The closure reflects a significant alignment between state educational administration and the deep-seated cultural traditions of the Dagbon people, ensuring the community can mourn their leader without the pressure of school schedules.

The decision to halt school operations was made following extensive consultations between the GES, local government officials, and the leadership at the Gbewaa Palace. By pausing formal education during this period, authorities aim to provide the community with the necessary space to honor the memory of the late King, whose leadership was central to the stability and identity of the Dagbon Kingdom. Education officials emphasized that the mourning period is an essential time for the youth and educational staff to observe and engage with their cultural heritage, fostering a sense of community identity alongside their academic pursuits.

As the municipality observes this final period of mourning, the Dagbon Traditional Council has scheduled a major public event to conclude the rites. Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa Abukari II are set to take place at the Gbewaa Palace on Sunday, July 16, 2023, starting at 10:00 a.m. Members of the public, including the recently dismissed school community, are invited to attend this service to pay their final respects. Following the conclusion of these traditional and religious activities, all educational institutions in the Yendi Municipality are mandated to resume full academic operations on Monday, July 17, 2023.