Omanghana
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid tribute to the late Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, describing him as a unifying leader whose reign brought lasting peace and stability to Dagbon.
In a condolence message issued following the King’s passing, Akufo-Addo appealed to traditional authorities and the people of Dagbon to preserve the peace that has been painstakingly built over the years as the kingdom begins the process of selecting a successor.
Akufo-Addo Praises Late Yaa Naa’s Legacy
Writing under his traditional title, “Naa Abudani,” which was conferred on him in 2020, the former President described the late Yaa Naa as a symbol of strength, dignity, wisdom, and reconciliation.
He noted that the late monarch’s leadership played a pivotal role in fostering unity within Dagbon and advancing peace across Northern Ghana.
Akufo-Addo urged chiefs, kingmakers, elders, and all stakeholders involved in the succession process to remain committed to the customs and traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom while ensuring that the transition is conducted peacefully and with mutual respect.
According to him, safeguarding the kingdom’s hard-earned stability should remain the foremost priority.
Reflecting on the Dagbon Peace Process
The former President also reflected on his longstanding relationship with the late King, recalling that they worked closely together when Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II served as the Yoo Naa of Savelugu.
Akufo-Addo said their collaboration was instrumental in implementing the roadmap that brought an end to the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy conflict during his administration.
He described the late King’s commitment to reconciliation as a defining chapter in Ghana’s traditional leadership history.
Nation Mourns the Passing of the Dagbon Overlord
Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II passed away at the age of 87 after a short illness.
His passing was officially announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi through traditional rites, including the sounding of the talking drums.
The late monarch was enskinned in January 2019 following the successful implementation of the roadmap that resolved the 16-year chieftaincy dispute between the Abudu and Andani royal gates.
His reign is widely credited with restoring peace, strengthening traditional institutions, and renewing cultural pride across the Dagbon Kingdom.
Traditional Rites Underway
As part of customary succession arrangements, a regent has already been enskinned to oversee the affairs of the kingdom during the mourning period.
The traditional third-day funeral prayers, known as Adua, are scheduled to be held in Yendi on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Ghana Unites in Mourning
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Ghana’s political and traditional landscape following the death of the revered monarch.
President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana have also expressed their condolences, praising Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II for his outstanding contribution to national unity, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.
In honour of the late King, the Ministry of Education has directed that schools within the Yendi Municipality remain temporarily closed until July 16 to allow residents to participate in the official mourning period.
The passing of Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II marks the end of a historic reign that transformed Dagbon and remains widely regarded as a cornerstone of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ghana.
Source: Omanghana
