News
Dagbon bows in majesty to bid farewell to Late Mion Lana
Sambu, the ancestral heartland of the Mion Traditional Area, has become a river of royal memory and cultural splendor as Dagbon bids farewell to one of its most revered sons, the late Mion Lana, Nyab Abdulai Mahamudu, in a grand spectacle of tradition, reverence, and unity.
For a week now, the town has pulsed with a sacred rhythm resounding with ancestral drumming, soul-stirring dirges, ceremonial dances, and the thunderous salute of muskets.
The air is thick with incense and history, as Dagbon’s ancient customs unfurl in a symphony of grief and grandeur.
At the centre of it all stands the enduring spirit of the Mion Lana “The Peacemaker of Dagbon” whose final funeral rite, culminated in a historic durbar, drawing chiefs, royals, politicians, and mourners.
All have gathered in Sambu not merely to mourn, but to celebrate a life that bridged tradition and transformation.
Nyab Abdulai Mahamudu was enskinned as Bolin-Lana at the tender age of 14, following the death of his father, the late Ya-Na Mahamadu IV.
For over three decades, he waited in the wings of tradition, observing sacred protocols and enduring royal seclusion until March 3, 2019, when he was enskinned as Mion Lana, one of the most powerful positions within the Dagbon Kingdom and a direct heir to the revered Ya-Na throne. Yet his reign, though brief, was profoundly impactful.
With a voice firm in wisdom and a heart anchored in peace, the Mion Lana became a cornerstone in healing the fractured legacy of Dagbon’s past.
In 2019, his public endorsement of Ya-Na Abukari II symbolised the dawn of a new era—one of reconciliation, renewal, and shared destiny.
He was more than a royal figure; he was a visionary. Under his leadership, the Mion Traditional Area witnessed a surge in youth engagement, education reform, and community development.
His “Back to School” campaigns reignited hope for thousands of young people. Through partnerships with organisations like the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), he oversaw the construction of new classroom blocks and championed the drilling of over 15 mechanised boreholes, bringing clean water to remote communities.
In every action, the Mion Lana embodied a rare fusion of tradition and progress of ancient authority and modern compassion.
The final rites spearheaded by the elders of the Abudu Royal Gate and the Mion Traditional Council are as much a cultural renewal as they are a farewell.
From Geoffrey Buta, Sambu
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
