The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the temporary closure of all public and private schools in the Yendi Municipality to allow students, teachers and other school staff to observe the funeral rites of the late Dagbon Overlord, Yaa-Naa Abukari II.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, the Service said the directive took effect from midday on Monday and will remain in force until Thursday, July 16. Academic activities are expected to resume on Friday, July 17.

GES said the decision followed consultations involving the Northern Regional Director of Education, the Director-General of the Service, the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive and the Gbewaa Palace.

According to the Service, the temporary closure is intended to enable the school community to participate in the mourning period while showing respect for the customs and traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom.

The statement urged students, teaching and non-teaching staff to observe the period with dignity and expressed confidence that parents, school authorities and other stakeholders would support the directive.

Earlier, Yendi Municipal Chief Executive Muniru Sogri confirmed the decision, explaining that government had approved the temporary closure to allow residents, including members of the school community, to take part in activities associated with the funeral of the Dagbon King.

Meanwhile, the Dagbon Traditional Council has announced that the third-day Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa Abukari II will be held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m.

The Council has invited the general public to attend the prayers and join in offering prayers for the repose of the late King's soul.