GES Temporarily Closes Yendi Schools to Honor Late Dagbon Overlord Yaa-Naa Abukari II

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially mandated the temporary closure of all public and private schools within the Yendi Municipality. This directive, which took effect from midday on July 13 and runs through July 16, 2023, was issued to allow students, teachers, and staff to participate in and observe the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II. The move highlights the significant intersection of formal education and the deep-seated cultural traditions of the Northern Region, ensuring the academic community can pay their respects to the revered traditional leader.

The decision to halt academic activities was reached following extensive consultations between the GES, local government officials, and the leadership at the Gbewaa Palace. By aligning the school calendar with these traditional rites, authorities aim to uphold the cultural heritage of the Dagbon people and show formal respect for the late King. The GES has urged all members of the school community to observe the mourning period with the appropriate solemnity, reflecting the central role the Overlord plays in the social and cultural fabric of the municipality.

As part of the funeral proceedings, the Dagbon Traditional Council has scheduled a major Islamic prayer session for the late King. This event will take place at the Gbewaa Palace on Sunday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m. The council has invited the general public, including students and educators, to participate in the prayers. This spiritual gathering serves as the final major event of the mourning period before the municipality transitions back to its regular schedule.

Following the conclusion of the funeral rites and the scheduled prayers, full academic activities are set to resume on Monday, July 17, 2023. All students and educational staff are expected to return to their respective institutions to continue the academic term. While the temporary pause interrupted the school week, local officials emphasize that such measures are vital for maintaining harmony between state institutions and traditional leadership, reinforcing the communal values that define the Dagbon Kingdom.