The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, has received a delegation from the Tolon Traditional Area led by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Tolon, Hon. Seidu Braimah, who called on him to officially inform the Regional Minister of the passing of the Paramount Chief of the Tolon Traditional Area, Naa Yab Tolon Naa Abukari Sulemana (Major Rtd).
The delegation, which comprised representatives of the Tolon Traditional Council and other stakeholders, conveyed the sad news to the Regional Minister and formally notified the Northern Regional Coordinating Council of the passing of the Paramount Chief, who died on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
According to the delegation, the late Paramount Chief was buried yesterday in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Tolon Traditional Area following his passing. The delegation also informed the Regional Minister that the traditional three-day Adua ceremony in honour of the late Paramount Chief has been scheduled for Friday, 28 August 2026.
Receiving the delegation, the Minister expressed deep sorrow over the death of Naa Yab Tolon Naa Sulemana and extended his condolences to the bereaved royal family, the Tolon Traditional Council, the people of Tolon and the entire Northern Region.
The Regional Minister described the late Paramount Chief as a respected traditional leader whose contributions to the development, peace and stability of the Tolon Traditional Area would be remembered by the people.
He noted that the death of a traditional leader of such standing was not only a great loss to the Tolon Traditional Area but also to the Northern Region, particularly given the important role traditional authorities continue to play in promoting peace, unity, development and social cohesion.
Hon. Adolf commended the late Paramount Chief for his service to the people and expressed appreciation for his leadership and commitment to the progress and wellbeing of his traditional area during his reign.
He assured the delegation that the Northern Regional Coordinating Council would stand with the Tolon Traditional Council and the bereaved family during this difficult period and would continue to engage the traditional authorities to ensure a peaceful and dignified funeral process.
The Regional Minister also urged the people of Tolon to remain united and peaceful as they mourn their late Paramount Chief, stressing the need for the people to uphold the customs and traditions of the Tolon Traditional Area throughout the mourning and funeral rites.
He further called on the youth and all residents of the traditional area to demonstrate maturity and respect for the traditional leadership and ensure that the funeral activities were conducted in an atmosphere of peace, order and dignity.
Hon. Adolf encouraged the bereaved family and the Traditional Council to take solace in the legacy left behind by the late Naa Yab Tolon Naa Sulemana and to continue to build on his contributions to the development of the Tolon Traditional Area.
The Regional Minister subsequently assured the delegation of his support and that of the Regional Coordinating Council as the traditional area prepares for the three-day Adua ceremony scheduled for Friday, 28 August 2026.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the Regional Minister for receiving them and for the words of condolence, support and assurance extended to the Tolon Traditional Area at this difficult moment.
The passing of Naa Yab Tolon Naa Sulemana (Major Rtd) marks a significant loss to the Tolon Traditional Area and the Northern Region, with traditional leaders, government officials, family members and residents expected to come together to mourn and honour the late Paramount Chief.
The Northern Regional Coordinating Council extends its deepest condolences to the Tolon Traditional Council, the royal family and the people of Tolon on the passing of their Paramount Chief and wishes the bereaved family strength and comfort during this period of mourning