The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a temporary closure of all public and private schools within the Yendi Municipality.
The temporary closure is to allow students and staff to observe the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
On Tuesday, July 14, the GES, in a statement issued, disclosed that the directive, which took effect from midday on Monday, July 13, will remain in force until Thursday, July 16.
They further disclosed that full academic activities expected to resume on Friday, July 17.
GES further explained that the decision was reached following 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.
They disclosed that the temporary closure is intended to honour the late King and demonstrate respect for the cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Dagbon.
GES further directed all students and members of staff within the municipality to observe the mourning period.
Meanwhile, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, has explained that the government approved the closure to enable residents and the school community to participate in activities marking the passing of the Dagbon Overlord.
“Following the demise of the King of Dagbon, the Overlord, Yaa-Naa Abukari II, a decision was taken that to mourn the death of the King, public schools and also private schools have to close down,” Muniru Sogri said.
Meanwhile, in related news, the Dagbon Traditional Council has revealed that the third-day prayers for the late Overlord of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
According to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the prayers form part of Islamic mourning traditions and will take place at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi at 10:00 a.m., with members of the public invited to attend and offer prayers for the soul of the late King.
The Dagbon Traditional Council announcement follows the burial of Yaa-Naa Abukari II in the early hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, within the sacred precincts of the Gbewaa Palace.
The Dagbon Traditional Council described the late King as a symbol of peace and unity.
They added that his reign was marked by efforts to promote harmony and development within the kingdom, urging the people of Dagbon to honour his memory by maintaining peace and avoiding conflict during the mourning period.
Meanwhile, the Council said arrangements for the full funeral rites of Yaa-Naa Abukari II will be announced in line with Dagbon tradition and royal protocol.
Reports suggest Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, who was also President of the Dagbon Traditional Council and the Northern Region House of Chiefs, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
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