The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the temporary closure of all public and private schools within the Yendi Municipality to allow students, teachers and other staff to participate in activities marking the funeral rites of the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the GES 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, 2026.
According to the Service, the decision followed consultations involving the Northern Regional Director of Education, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive and the Gbewaa Palace.
The GES explained that the temporary closure is intended to honour the late Dagbon Overlord and demonstrate respect for the cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Dagbon during the mourning period.
It also directed all students and members of staff within the municipality to observe the period of mourning and expressed confidence that parents, school authorities and other stakeholders would cooperate with the directive.
Earlier, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Sogri, confirmed the decision in an interview with Citi News, stating that the government approved the closure to enable residents, including members of the school community, to participate in activities commemorating the late King.
“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 Mahama Abukari II will be held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The Council has invited members of the public to attend the prayers and offer supplications for the repose of the soul of the late Dagbon Overlord.