Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II says his Kingdom is grateful to President Nana Akufo-Addo for the immense role he has played in ensuring peace in the kingdom.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the Gbewaa Palace on Thursday, he expressed profound gratitude to the President and government for the wind of peace blowing in the Dagbon, as well as his commitment to the development of the area.

"Today is a special day in the lives of the people of the North. A moment of pride which reflects the development through which Yendi, and for that matter, Dagbon, has gone through the last three years," the Ya Na said.

"I wish to state categorically that the state of Dagbon is being affirmed with each passing day and is a factor of peace and stability in the country."

The Ya Na continued his commendation of President Akufo-Addo's commitment to the progress of Dagbon, by acknowledging his presence during last year's Damba Festival with a high profile guest, as well as development projects in the area.

"Dagbon is particularly grateful to H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for gracing last year's Damba Featival and most importantly, his accompanied august guest, H.E. Mia Amar Motley, QC, MP, the Prime Minister of Barbados and her high level dignitaries and ambassadors which automatically catapulted our previously local Damba celebration onto the international scene."

"We are also deeply grateful for the commissioning of the Yendi Water Supply Project in July, 2020."

The Ya Na also commended Vice President Bawumia for his efforts at ensuring development in the north.

Addressing the Ya Na and his elders, Vice President Bawumia assured Dagbon and the entire regions of the north of President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to ensure more development in the north, especially in the areas of providing critical infrastructure and education.

Apart from the countrywide social intervention programs of the government such as Free SHS, One Constituency One Ambulance, Planting For Food and Jobs, One District One Factory, Dr. Bawumia listed a number of development projects the government of President Akufo-Addo has specifically undertaken in the north and the Yendi Kingdom, as a demonstration of his sincerity towards the progress of the north.

The Vice President announced that government is in discussion with the University of Development Studies (UDS) to set up a satellite campus in Yendi.

He also announced government's decision to convert the Pong Tamale Veterinary College into a University for Agriculture.

The Vice President is on a working visit to the five regions of the north, where he is expected to meet chiefs and community leaders.

He will also inspect and commission government projects during his tour.

Accompanying the Vice President is the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, Local Government Minister Hajia Alima Mahama, Deputy Roads Minister Anthony Karbo, Deputy Energy Minister Mohammed Amin Adam, the CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, Hassan Tampuli, and Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama Zakaria, Deputy CEO of MASLOC.