The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the temporary closure of all public and private schools in the Yendi Municipality to allow students and staff to participate in the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, the GES said the directive took effect from midday on Monday, July 13, and will remain in force until Thursday, July 16. Academic activities are expected to resume on Friday, July 17.
According to the Service, the decision followed consultations with the Northern Regional Director of Education, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive and the Gbewaa Palace.
The GES said the temporary closure is intended to honour the late Dagbon Overlord and demonstrate respect for the customs and traditions of the people of Dagbon during the official mourning period.
It urged students, teachers and school administrators to observe the period with dignity and expressed confidence that parents and other stakeholders would cooperate with the directive.
Yendi Municipal Chief Executive Muniru Sogri earlier confirmed the closure, explaining that the government approved the decision to enable residents, including the school community, to participate fully in activities marking the passing of the revered traditional ruler.
Meanwhile, the Dagbon Traditional Council has announced that the third-day Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa Abukari II will be held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m. The Council has invited the public to attend and offer prayers for the repose of the late King’s soul.
