Thousands of people, including high-profile political figures, traditional rulers, religious leaders and sons and daughters of Dagbon, have converged on the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi for the formal enskinment of Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Abubakari, the Regent of Dagbon.
The colourful but solemn ceremony marks another significant milestone in the traditional succession process following the passing of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, whose funeral rites are still underway.
President John Dramani Mahama is being represented at the ceremony by a high-powered government delegation comprising several senior government officials from Dagbon.
Among those in the presidential delegation are the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John Mburidiba, and other government appointees.
The ceremony has also attracted the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who arrived at the Gbewaa Palace to participate in the historic occasion.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is led at the ceremony by its flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is attending the enskinment in person. He is accompanied by other opposition MPS and other senior party officials.
Also present is the Buipewura, Mahama Abdulai Jinapor, Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, together with several paramount chiefs and traditional rulers from across Dagbon and other parts of Ghana.
The enskinment has drawn an array of distinguished personalities from the political, traditional and religious spheres, underscoring the national significance of the Dagbon Kingdom and the widespread respect commanded by the late Yaa-Naa.
Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Abubakari, the eldest son of the late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, is being formally enskinned to serve as Regent of Dagbon during the interregnum.
As Kampakuya-Naa, he will oversee the affairs of the kingdom and supervise the remaining customary funeral rites of the late monarch until a new Yaa-Naa is selected and enskinned in accordance with the customs and traditions of Dagbon.
The ceremony is taking place under heavy security, with hundreds of police personnel deployed around the Gbewaa Palace to maintain law and order as thousands of mourners and dignitaries continue to arrive in Yendi for the historic traditional event.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
