The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II has cautioned chiefs in the Dagbon Traditional Area to desist from using the Lion Emblem.
He emphasised that the lion emblem was a preserve of the Yaa-Naa in Dagbon only, and that it was “wrong and uncultured” for any other chief in the traditional area to use it.
Yaa-Naa Abukari II gave this caution when he addressed a gathering of chiefs and opinion leaders in the area in Tamale on Saturday
The gathering was meant to discuss how to raise funds and implement the Dagbon Development Fund (DDF).
“The only person with the power and authority to use the lion symbol or emblem in Dagbon is Yaa-Naa and no other chief,” he stated.
Of late, most chiefs in Dagbon are seen using the lion emblem in front of their houses in the area and this he said was not best.
“There is a new trend which does not auger well for Dagbon Kingdom. And it is not only me, Yaa-Naa who should fight it but every meaningful person in Dagbon,” Yaa-Naa Abukari II said.
The Overlord explained that the lion was “a totem of Dagbon which signified the strength and power of Dagbon.”
“It is seen as the king of the jungle and so the strength and might of the lion is equated to the Yaa-Naa,” he said.
Touching on the DDF, Yaa-Naa Abukari II urged all residents in Dagbon to contribute into the fund.
He remarked that Dagbon had what it takes to generate resources to develop the area and that it was imperative for all to contribute into the fund.
Yaa-Naa mentioned that the DDF would be focusing on areas such as health, education and infrastructure.
He emphasised that the area had great potential and the DDF would help woo investors to the area.
The Overload hinted of the desire to rebuild the Gbewaa Palace to fit the status of Dagbon.
Yaa-Naa Abukari stated that the measures and efforts to accelerate development in Dagbon could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and unity.
He, therefore, entreated all to work towards the sustenance and deepening of peace in Dagbon.
Yaa-Naa stressed that Dagbon needed peace to develop, hence the urgent need for all to help promote the current peace in the area.
FROM YAKUBU ABDUL-MAJEED, TAMALE
