The Overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Area, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, has called on the president to reconsider his decision to rename the Tamale International Airport after Tolon Naa Yakubu Tali.
During his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, President Akufo-Addo announced that the Kumasi and Tamale International Airports would be renamed.
The airports will be named Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport and Yakubu Tali International Airport respectively.
But the Ya-Na in a letter to the president said the renaming is unacceptable as it would draw the entire Northern Region into needless controversy.
“This is an unacceptable idea to me and the majority of citizens of Dagbon. The renaming of Tamale International Airport after Tolon Naa Yakubu Tali will be contentious and counterproductive.
“As the Ya-Na Abukari VII, I personally and voluntarily released the substantial lands covering the entire expansion areas of the airport to the government of Ghana to undertake this important infrastructural development,” part of the letter read.
The Dagbon overlord said that since the president’s announcement, his palace has received numerous pleas to shelve the proposal.
He further appealed to the president to name the airport after the founder of the Kingdom of Dagbon.
“It is the considered opinion of many people and traditional leaders in the region that such recognition is bestowed on Na Gbewaa.”
Below is Ya-Na Abukari II’s full letter
I bring you fraternal royal greetings from the Gbewaa Palace, with fervent hope and prayer that you are in good health and high spirit. I would like to draw your attention to your wish to rename the Tamale International Airport as Yakubu Tali International Airport.
This is an unacceptable idea to me and the majority of citizens of Dagbon. The renaming of Tamale International Airport after Tolon Naa Yakubu will be contentious and counterproductive. It will draw our traditional state and entire Northern Region into needless controversy.
As then Yo-Na Abukari VII, I personally and voluntarily released the substantial lands covering the entire expansion areas of the airport to the government of Ghana to undertake this important infrastructural development.
Since this proposal was announced, the Gbewaa Palace has been inundated with calls and other forms of communications pleading that this proposal be shelved. It is the considered opinion of many people and traditional leaders in the region that such recognition is bestowed on Na Gbewaa.
Accept my compliments of the highest consideration.