Yendi: Ya-Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, has issued a directive prohibiting the illegal trade and possession of hard drugs, notably tramadol, within the Dagbon Kingdom. He has mandated all local Chiefs to implement stringent punishments for those who violate this ban.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Overlord urged the Chiefs to collaborate with security agencies to address the issue effectively in their respective areas. This directive was conveyed in a speech delivered by Mr. Fatawu Alhassan, the Registrar of the Dagbon Tradition Council, during the First Council Meeting of the Dagbon Traditional Council held in Yendi.

Ya-Na Abukari II expressed optimism that the Chiefs, alongside their elders and other stakeholders, would take immediate action to curb the illegal drug trade and misuse. He emphasized the importance of youth focusing on education and skill acquisition for personal growth rather than engaging in drug abuse.

In 2022, the Dagbon Traditional Council established the Dagbon Development Fund to support the execution of a 10-year Dagbon Strategic Development Plan. The initiative aims to mobilize resources to enhance the quality of life in Dagbon by unlocking its social, economic, cultural, and political potential in a peaceful environment.

Ya-Na Abukari II called for support from the government, non-governmental organizations, the business sector, and philanthropic groups to aid the Chiefs and residents of Dagbon in gathering the necessary resources to revitalize the region and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic progress.