By: Shaharan Suhuyini]
The King of the Dagban Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II, has called on traditional rulers across the country to use their influence to transform the future of young people through education.
He made the call in Tamale after the University for Development Studies (UDS) conferred on him an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his outstanding contribution to national development and peaceful leadership.
Addressing a gathering of eminent chiefs, academics, politicians and members of the general public, Ya-Na Abukari II emphasized that the progress of every nation depends on the quality of education accessible to its people.
“No society rises higher than the level of education of its people,” the King stated, urging traditional authorities to reflect deeply on the legacies they aim to leave behind.”
He stressed the need for traditional institutions to play a more proactive role in educational advancement, noting that palaces must evolve into centres of inspiration and learning for the youth.
“My fellow traditional rulers across this great nation, this honor challenges us to ask ourselves: what legacy are we leaving behind? Let us use our influence to mobilize our communities for education. Let’s make our Palace centers where young people are encouraged to pursue knowledge,” he emphasized.
The honorary doctorate, according to UDS, celebrates the Ya-Na’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and development across Dagbon and beyond. Under his leadership, the Kingdom has enjoyed enhanced social cohesion and increased collaboration between traditional and modern governance systems.
The ceremony drew a diverse audience, including prominent chiefs from far and near, senior lecturers and professors from UDS, political leaders, students and residents of Tamale who gathered to witness the historic moment.
The Ya-Na’s call is expected to ignite a renewed conversation on the role of traditional leadership in shaping educational outcomes, especially in underserved communities.
The University for Development Studies praised the King for his vision and pledged continued partnership with traditional authorities to promote inclusive development across Northern Ghana.
