By Grace Zigah
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing him as an exceptional traditional ruler whose reign restored peace, unity and dignity to the Dagbon Kingdom after years of division.
In a statement issued following the official announcement of the King’s passing by the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, the former President said the late monarch would be remembered as a towering symbol of reconciliation, strength and the enduring heritage of one of the most respected traditional kingdoms.
Akufo-Addo noted that the passing of Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II marks the end of an important chapter in Dagbon’s history, praising the late king for joining the distinguished line of Dagbon rulers who have guided the kingdom’s progress for more than three centuries.
Describing the late Yaa-Naa as “a great figure of unity, strength and the enduring legacy of a proud and dignified people,” the former President said the monarch’s leadership helped strengthen peace and social cohesion throughout the kingdom during his reign.
Akufo-Addo also reflected on the difficult period of the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, which remained unresolved for nearly two decades following the 2002 murder of Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II.
The conflict divided the Abudu and Andani royal gates and became one of Ghana’s most protracted traditional disputes, prompting successive governments to seek lasting solutions.
According to the former President, the late Yaa-Naa, who was then serving as Yoo Naa and Chief of Savelugu, together with the two other royal princes, embraced dialogue and accepted proposals that eventually paved the way for the successful implementation of the roadmap to peace during his administration.
He stated that the cooperation shown by the royal family made it possible for the historic enskinment of Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, an event widely regarded as bringing lasting peace and stability to Dagbon after years of tension.
Nana Akufo-Addo further recalled being honoured by the late monarch during the first Damba Festival celebrated after his enskinment in 2020, when he was conferred with the traditional title “Naa Abudani” in recognition of his role in supporting the Dagbon peace process.
He described the honour as one he would forever cherish, saying it reflected the deep mutual respect that existed between the presidency and the traditional leadership of Dagbon.
The former President observed that under Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II’s leadership, Dagbon witnessed a renewed sense of dignity, cultural revival and unity, which strengthened the kingdom’s development and reinforced public confidence in its traditional institutions.
He appealed to the chiefs, kingmakers and elders of Dagbon to protect that legacy by ensuring that the succession process remains peaceful and strictly follows the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
Akufo-Addo also welcomed the successful installation of a regent following the King’s passing and urged all Ghanaians to support the people of Dagbon during their period of mourning.
Meanwhile, the Dagbon Traditional Council has announced that the third-day Islamic prayers for the late Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
The prayers, scheduled for 10:00 a.m., form part of the traditional Islamic mourning rites observed following the burial of the late monarch, who was laid to rest in the early hours of Monday, July 13, within the sacred precincts of the Gbewaa Palace in accordance with Dagbon customs and Islamic tradition.
The Traditional Council has described the late Yaa-Naa as a monarch who dedicated his reign to promoting peace, unity and development across Dagbon and has appealed to residents to maintain calm and avoid any actions capable of disrupting the harmony he worked tirelessly to establish.
The Council further indicated that arrangements for the final funeral rites of the late Overlord would be announced in due course in accordance with Dagbon royal customs and protocol.
Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, who also served as President of the Dagbon Traditional Council and the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, bringing to a close a reign many observers credit with consolidating peace and reconciliation in the historic Dagbon Kingdom.
