Academic activities across the Yendi Municipality have been temporarily suspended as the Ghana Education Service (GES) joins the people of Dagbon in observing the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
The directive affects both public and private schools within the municipality. It forms part of arrangements to allow students, teachers and other education workers to participate in the traditional mourning activities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, the GES announced that the closure took effect from midday on Monday, July 13, and will remain in place until Thursday, July 16. Schools are expected to resume normal academic activities on Friday, July 17.
The Service explained that the decision followed consultations involving the Northern Regional Director of Education, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive and the Gbewaa Palace.
According to the GES, the temporary suspension of classes is intended to honour the memory of the late Yaa-Naa and to demonstrate respect for the customs and cultural traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom during the official mourning period.
The Service further directed all students and members of staff within the municipality to observe the mourning period and appealed to parents, school authorities and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the directive.
Earlier, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, confirmed the government-approved closure in an interview, stating that the measure would enable residents, including members of the school community, to actively participate in activities marking the passing of the Dagbon Overlord, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
“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 Abukari II will take place at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m.
The Council has invited residents, traditional leaders and members of the public to attend the prayers and join in offering supplications for the repose of the soul of the late Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
The temporary closure is expected to ensure that schools, families and communities across the municipality are able to fully participate in one of the most significant traditional and religious observances in the Dagbon Kingdom before academic activities resume later in the week.
