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Nana Abudani Akufo-Addo attended the outdooring of Yaa Naa Mahama Abubakari II "dressed to kill", as some say.

Reading his speech at the investiture, he said he is 'neither an Andani nor Abudu'; he stands for 'unity and reconciliation' and so his new name is 'Abudani'.

The President was dressed in a yellow handwoven smock with traditional northern trousers.

It is described as a typical Takai dance outfit for the grand ceremony.

Underlying the yellow and leather boots was a strong message to the people of Dagbon in the Northern Region.
 
The pair of trousers is traditionally known as Kurugu.

Kurugu is sewn from several yards of fugu (smock) that reaches the ankle and comes out bulky in nature.

The design of the Kurugu naturally gathers around the thighs of anyone who wears it.

The long handmade leather boots are traditionally known as Mugri. Mugri is a natural match to the Kurugu which is tucked into the boots.

The Kurugu, mugri and handwoven smock to match, are typically worn by royals or persons with high reputation in society, but can also be worn by anyone who can afford it. It is worn during festive occasions including the Damba festival.

Anyone in such attire is considered correctly dressed for the festive occasion, so it was just perfect for President Akufo-Addo to attend the inauguration dressed in it.

On the colour, some locals say yellow signifies peace, something most desired for the Dagbon kingdom after years of unrest.

Indeed, the attire in itself reminds Dagbon people of the need for peace as the Takai dance, done typically in the Kurugu, handwoven smock and mugri, flows with a drum rhythm whose language simply says, “the chief says listen, stop the fight.”


Behold Nana Abudani!!!