The King of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II cautioned against the President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo’s decision to rename the Tamale Airport after the late Tolon Naa, Yakubu Tali.
The reaction follows the announcement by the President, during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the government will rename the Kumasi Airport and the Tamale Airports after their completion.
But, the Office of the Ya-Na opposes the decision. It believes that naming the Tamale Airport after Yakubu Tali, who was a Tolon-Naa, will not augur well for the people of the Northern Region.
A statement from his outfit indicated that the move will draw the Northern Region into unwanted controversy; something the President is not prepared for.
“I would like to draw your attention to your wish to rename the Tamale Airport as Yakubu Tali International Airport. This is an unacceptable idea to me and the majority of the citizens of Dagbon. This will draw our traditional state and entire Northern Region into endless controversy,” portions of the statement read.
“Since this proposal was announced, the Gbewaa Palace has been inundated with calls and other forms of communications pleading that this proposal be shelved,” the statement noted.
To the Ya-Na, such honour should be bestowed on the Na-Gbewa.
He emphasized that, the Gbewaa Palace which contributed towards the construction of the edifice should rather be accorded that honor.
“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. .. it explained.
