The Gbewaa Palace has issued a strong directive prohibiting the possession and use of live ammunition during the funeral rites of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, warning that anyone found violating the order will be arrested.
The directive was conveyed by Naa Yab Kug Naa through DCOP Alhaji Iddi Seidu, Director-General in charge of Technical at the Ghana Police Service, who also holds the traditional title Naa Yab Sing Lana in the Dagbon Kingdom.
In a public notice issued ahead of the royal funeral activities, mourners, traditional warriors and all persons expected to attend the funeral have been urged not to carry or use live ammunition under any circumstances.
According to the notice, anyone found in possession of or discharging live ammunition during the funeral rites will be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Palace explained that the directive is in keeping with the values upheld by the late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, who throughout his reign discouraged the use of live ammunition during traditional events.
“The late King never supported the use of live ammunition during traditional events. Let us honour his memory by ensuring a peaceful, safe and dignified farewell,” the notice stated.
The appeal comes as thousands of mourners, traditional rulers, dignitaries and members of the public continue to converge on Yendi for the funeral rites of the late monarch, whose passing has drawn national and international tributes.
The Gbewaa Palace’s directive is expected to reinforce security arrangements put in place by the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to ensure that the funeral is conducted peacefully and in accordance with Dagbon customs and traditions.
Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, who ascended the Skin of Dagbon in January 2019, was widely regarded as a monarch committed to peace, reconciliation and unity. Throughout his reign, he consistently advocated restraint and encouraged the observance of traditional ceremonies in a manner that promoted harmony and protected lives.
The latest directive is therefore seen as both a security measure and a tribute to the late King’s enduring legacy of peace, as Dagbon prepares to bid a final farewell to one of its most revered traditional leaders.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
