The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the temporary closure of all public and private schools in the Yendi Municipality to allow students, teachers and other staff participate in the funeral rites of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, the Service 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 GES, the decision was taken after 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 Service explained that the temporary closure is to honour the late monarch and allow the school community to observe the customs and traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom during the mourning period.
It urged students and staff in the municipality to respect the period of mourning and expressed confidence that parents, school authorities and other stakeholders would cooperate with the directive.
Earlier, Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, confirmed the closure in an interview with Citi News, explaining that the move was approved by government to enable residents, including members of 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,” he said.
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.
