His Royal Majesty, Ya Naa Abukari II, has cautioned the youth of the Dagbon traditional area in the northern region to desist from using firearms and ammunitions during festivals and festive seasons.
The Dagbon Overlord has further directed all Paramount Chiefs, Divisional and Sub Chiefs together with their respective elders to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to immediately stop the use of assault rifles and ammunitions at funerals among other ceremonies in their communities.
According to the Ya Naa, what the youth need to display openly at funerals and ceremonies are their beautiful smocks and the rich Dagbon culture and tradition, and NOT assault rifles.
“I will appreciate the co-operation of all and sundry in this regard. In a few days, I will be engaging with the relevant security agencies to support these efforts in combating this menace.”
He noted the blatant lawlessness is prevalent in the entire Dagbon area and sometimes caught in viral videos and photographs in circulation.
“Dagbon is not at war – Let’s combat the menace of illicit weapons in the hands of unauthorized civilians in Dagbon. Nanima and distinguished members of this august Council are hereby informed that some youth of Dagbon are taking the laws into their hands and attempting to militarize the Kingdom with the open display and use of assault rifles at various funerals. Members of this Council may be aware of the potential adverse consequence of assault rifles in the hands of unauthorized persons. The weapons are lethal and can fatally harm or kill instantly” the King stated.
Ya Naa Abukari II made the clarion call when he addressed an emergency meeting of the Dagbon Traditional Council on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in Tamale to as a matter of urgency deliberate on the proliferation of illicit small arms and step towards saving the good image of the Kingdom which is gradually being threaten through the misuse and abuse of small arms and light weapons by the youth during traditional festivals and funerals among other occasions.
It is estimated that one billion small arms are in circulation worldwide to terrorists, violent extremists, organized criminals and warring gangs which continues to pose a significant threat around the globe. The phenomenon is worry as it contravenes the sustainable development goal 16 which talks about Peace and Justice Strong Institutions.
The Ya Naa said, “I have been reliably informed by my elders, some security personnel and other peace-loving citizens about the brazen impunity by some youths in carrying sophisticated weapons and live ammunitions at various funerals especially during installation of Regents and circumambulation of houses”.
Regrettably, the Dagbon King said the recent installation of the regents of Na Dachie Dalun-Lana, Nas Yab Gushie-Nan and Na Bapra Mionlana as well as the circumambulation of houses at the funerals of Na Yab Sing-Lana and Na Bapra Tugu-Yepalsi-Na witnessed the open display and indiscriminate and unwarranted use of assault rifles like AK47, SMG, Pump Action guns.
He added this lawless misconduct of firing assault rifles was even witnessed during this year’s Damba festival, a celebration of immense significance to showcase our rich cultural heritage.
He indicated that most of these gun wielding youth would usually be part of the entourage of some Chiefs, stating it should not be lost to these chiefs encouraging the impunity that they could become victims of their thugs.
