Managing Our Leaders: Hardi Pagazaa Raises Concerns Over Growing Trend in Dagbon

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Published: 11 June 2026

Published at: 9:09

Story by Saibu Terry

Political communicator and social commentator Hardi Pagazaa has expressed concern over what he describes as a disturbing trend in Dagbon regarding the management of traditional and religious leaders, following two recent incidents that attracted widespread attention on social media.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Pagazaa cited the recent announcement of the passing of Naa Bapra Nyong Lana, Col. (Rtd) Abdulai, Paramount Chief of the Nyong Traditional Area in the Karaga District. According to him, news of the chief’s death spread rapidly across social media platforms while the body was still in Accra, a development he believes disregarded Dagbon customs and the emotions of the bereaved family.

He noted that the incident was not isolated, recalling similar occurrences involving the late Naa Yeb’ Nanton Naa Sulemana and Naa Bapra Mion Lana Abdulai. While criticizing bloggers and social media users for circulating such sensitive information prematurely, Pagazaa argued that a significant portion of the responsibility lies with individuals entrusted with managing and safeguarding information concerning traditional leaders.

“The haste to inform trusted people is the major cause. Any secret beyond one person is no longer a secret,” he remarked, urging social media activists to respect Dagbon traditions and avoid actions that could portray the culture negatively.

Pagazaa also referenced a widely circulated video involving Sheikh Saeed Zakaria, head of the Ambariya Islamic Community and one of Ghana’s most respected Islamic scholars. The video addressed concerns surrounding the establishment of the Ambariya Islamic Education Unit and allegations of interference in a protocol list that had been submitted.

According to Pagazaa, the matter could have been resolved discreetly through dialogue rather than becoming a subject of public debate on social media. He suggested that those responsible for managing the affairs of the respected cleric failed to handle the issue appropriately.

“A word from Afa Saeed is an authority and must be respected at all times and in all situations,” he stated.

He further observed that the decision by the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to grant Ambariya an independent educational unit was never intended to become a social media controversy. In his view, the disagreement, reportedly centered on the omission of a single name from a protocol list, could easily have been addressed through administrative channels.

Pagazaa concluded by calling for the engagement of professionals to manage the communications and public affairs of traditional rulers and religious leaders, arguing that proper management would help prevent avoidable controversies and protect the dignity and authority of respected institutions in Dagbon.

“It’s time professionals are hired to manage our leaders,” he emphasized.