President Mahama Mourns Late Yaa-Naa Abukari II, Commending His Enduring Legacy of Peace and Unity
President John Mahama pays tribute to the late Dagbon Overlord, praising his pivotal role in unifying royal gates, establishing regional stability, and fostering national peace.
- Yaa-Naa Abukari II successfully united the royal gates and spearheaded the unanimous adoption of the Dagbon Constitution
- The late King mediated inter-communal dialogues and facilitated historic engagements with the Gonja Kingdom to settle boundary disputes.
- President Mahama assured the Dagbon Traditional Council that the government will provide full support and accord the late monarch complete state honors
President John Mahama has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari II, describing his death as a profound loss to the entire nation.
Receiving a delegation from the Dagbon Traditional Council at the Presidency—who came to formally announce the monarch’s passing—President Mahama paid rich tribute to the late King’s statesmanship, wisdom, and transformative leadership.
Key Highlights of the Late Monarch’s Legacy
During the audience, President Mahama highlighted several defining achievements of Yaa-Naa Abukari II’s reign:
-
Unifying Dagbon: Stepping into leadership during a delicate period, the late Yaa-Naa successfully reconciled the royal gates through humility, patience, and inclusive governance.
-
Constitutional Landmark: He oversaw the unanimous adoption of the Dagbon Constitution, establishing a clear, lasting framework for chieftaincy succession and regional stability.
-
National Peacemaking: Beyond Dagbon, he fostered dialogue across traditional and Islamic leadership networks and spearheaded critical engagements with the Gonja Kingdom to resolve longstanding boundary disputes.
A Deeply Personal Connection
Reflecting on their history, President Mahama shared that their relationship began during his first presidential term during the mediation efforts that brought lasting peace to the region. Over the years, that professional bond deepened into a close father-son relationship.
“Ghana has lost a true statesman whose counsel was always thoughtful, balanced, and guided strictly by the national interest,” President Mahama noted, adding that every possible effort was made to save the King’s life before Allah’s ultimate will prevailed.
State Support and National Mourning
President Mahama assured the Dagbon Traditional Council and the people of Dagbon of the government’s unwavering support throughout the mourning period. He pledged to collaborate closely with traditional authorities to ensure the late monarch receives full state honors.
Closing his tribute, the President offered prayers for Allah to grant Yaa-Naa Abukari II eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus, calling on all Ghanaians to uphold the late King’s spirit of reconciliation and selfless service.
