All public and private schools in the Yendi Municipality have been temporarily closed following the death of the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
The decision was disclosed by the Ghana Education Service in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, indicating that the closure took effect from midday on Monday, July 13, and will remain in force until Thursday, July 16. Academic activities are expected to resume on Friday, July 17.
According to the GES, the directive followed consultations involving the Northern Regional Director of Education, the Director-General of GES, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive and the Gbewaa Palace to allow students and staff to participate in activities marking the funeral rites of the late Dagbon King.
The Service explained that the temporary closure was intended to honour the late monarch and demonstrate respect for the customs and traditions of the Dagbon people during the mourning period.
Earlier, Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, confirmed the decision, stating that government had approved the closure to enable residents, including members of the school community, to take part in the funeral activities.
“Following the demise of the King of Dagbon, the Overlord, Yaa-Naa Abukari II, a decision was taken that to mourn the death of the King, public schools and also private schools have to close down,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Dagbon Traditional Council has announced that the third-day Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa will be held at the Gbewaa Palace on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m.
Yaa-Naa Abukari II was the paramount ruler and spiritual leader of the Dagbon Kingdom, one of Ghana’s oldest and most influential traditional states. He played a key role in promoting peace, preserving Dagbon traditions and supporting development initiatives across the kingdom.
His passing has triggered traditional mourning rites that hold deep cultural significance for the Dagomba people and northern Ghana as a whole.
