The Dagbon Council of Kingmakers has announced an immediate ban on the use of live ammunition during the third-day funeral rites of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, in a bid to ensure a peaceful and safe ceremony.
The directive was issued during an emergency meeting of the kingmakers held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Monday, July 13, 2026.
The announcement was made by the Director-General in charge of Technical at the Ghana Police Service, Iddi Lansah Seidu, who is also the Chief of Singe.
According to him, the decision was informed by increasing incidents of injuries and fatalities associated with celebratory gunfire during traditional ceremonies and funerals.
Mr. Seidu warned that any person found in possession of live ammunition or attempting to use it during the funeral activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
He noted that the late Yaa-Naa did not support the use of live ammunition during traditional events and urged mourners to honour his memory by ensuring a peaceful and dignified funeral.
The third-day funeral rites of the late Dagbon overlord are scheduled to take place at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
The Gbewaa Palace announced the passing of Yaa-Naa Abukari II on July 13, bringing an end to his reign as the 41st Overlord of Dagbon.
Following his death, his son was appointed Kampakuya Naa to serve as Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom in accordance with Dagbon customs until the installation of a new Yaa-Naa.
Yaa-Naa Abukari II, who hailed from the Mion royal gate, was enskinned on January 18, 2019, following the resolution of the long-standing Dagbon chieftaincy dispute, which had left the skin vacant for 16 years.
Prior to ascending to the Dagbon skin, he served as Chief of Kpunkpono and later as Chief of Savelugu, one of the three traditional gate skins from which a Yaa-Naa can be selected.
