Public schools in the Yendi Municipality have been closed until Friday, July 17, 2026, as the people of Dagbon observe the traditional mourning period following the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II.
The temporary closure forms part of the customary mourning rites being observed across the traditional capital after the death of the revered monarch. The mourning period began at midnight on Sunday, July 12, and is expected to end on Thursday, July 16.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday, July 13, by the Yendi Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in consultation with the Northern Regional Director of GES, in line with Dagbon custom.
“The Municipal Directorate, in consultation with the Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service and as custom demands, wishes to close down schools from today, Monday, July 13, to Thursday, July 16, in memory of the passing to eternity of the Overlord of Dagbon,” the statement said.
According to the directive, all public basic and second-cycle schools within the municipality are expected to suspend academic activities throughout the mourning period.
The statement instructed all heads of schools to immediately notify students, teachers and other staff of the closure.
Schools will resume on Friday, July 17, 2026, the statement said, adding that all heads of schools should inform their students and teachers accordingly.
The closure underscores the profound cultural significance of the passing of a Yaa-Naa, whose death traditionally brings public life in the Dagbon Kingdom to a standstill as the people observe sacred funeral rites and pay their final respects to the late King.
Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, who ascended the Skin of Dagbon in January 2019, was formally declared dead in the early hours of Monday through the customary firing of musketry, royal drumming and other ancient rites at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. He was subsequently laid to rest in accordance with Dagbon tradition.
Since the announcement of his passing, thousands of mourners, traditional rulers, government officials and dignitaries have continued to converge on Yendi to participate in the royal funeral rites and honour the memory of a monarch widely remembered for his commitment to peace, reconciliation and unity within the Dagbon Kingdom.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
