On Sunday, February 26th, 2023, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, joined the Chiefs and people of the Gonja state for the 7th Day Funeral rites of Late Gonja King, Yagbonwura Sulemana Tuntumba Jakpa Bore-Essa (I) at the Jakpa palace in Damongo.
During his address, President Akufo-Addo expressed his solidarity with the people of Damongo and the Gonja state over the passing of the late king. He praised the late Yagbonwura as a great king not only because he occupied one of the great skins and stools of the country, but also due to his own comportment and conduct as a Chief.
The President highlighted two things that came to his mind when he thought of the late King. Firstly, he noted the contributions he made as a member of the three eminent chiefs in the resolution of the Dagbon crisis which helped him in the governance of the country as President. He stated that the history of the country will never forget the contributions of the late Yagbonwura Tuntumba Bore-Essa (I) and his participation in that successful enterprise.
Secondly, the President eulogized the late King for his role in leading the demand for the creation of the Savannah region. He noted that it was at the insistence of the late King that led the people to have a referendum that allowed the people of the Savannah to express their preference and choice, which ultimately made it possible for him to sign the constitutional instrument that created the Savannah region. He described the late King as the founder of the Savannah region.
President Akufo-Addo donated Ghc 100,000, 50 bags of rice, 5 bags of Maize, 5 bags of Cassava, and a bull in support of the funeral of the late Yagbonwura who died on Sunday, February 5th, 2023.
He was accompanied by some Ministers of state, including the Minister for Lands and Natural resources and MP for Damongo, the Savannah Regional Minister, MPs from the Savannah region, Government appointees, and former Government appointees.
Also present at the event were representatives from the Manhia palace led by Baffour kofi Atobra II Dadieso Aba hene, as well as representatives from the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and North East regional Houses of chiefs.
