GES Shuts Down Yendi Schools for Yaa-Naa Abukari II’s Funeral Rites

The Ghana Education Service [GES] has temporarily closed all public and private schools in the Yendi Municipality to allow pupils, teachers and staff to take part in mourning activities for the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 14, GES said the closure started at 12:00pm on Monday, July 13, and will last until Thursday, July 16. Normal classes are expected to resume on Friday, July 17.

According to the Service, the decision was made after discussions with the Northern Regional Director of Education, the GES Director-General, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive and officials from the Gbewaa Palace.

GES explained that the move is to honour the late King and show respect for Dagbon’s culture and traditions during the period of mourning.

The Service has directed all students and staff in Yendi to observe the mourning period and expressed hope that parents, school authorities and other stakeholders will support the directive.

Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, also confirmed the closure. He said government approved it to enable residents, including the school community, to join activities marking the passing of the Dagbon Overlord.

“Following the death of the King of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari II, it was decided that both public and private schools should close down to mourn the King,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Dagbon Traditional Council has announced that the third-day Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa will be held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m.

The Council has invited the general public to attend and offer prayers for the soul of the late Overlord.