Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed his condolences to the people of Dagbon following the death of Ya-Na Abukari II, describing the late traditional ruler’s reign as one marked by peace and development.
Akufo-Addo made the remarks after visiting the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Saturday, August 29, 2026, where he conveyed his condolences to the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari II, members of the Dagbon Traditional Council, chiefs, elders and the people of Dagbon.
The former president said he was unable to attend the customary ceremonies following the death of the Ya-Na because he was outside the country when the news of his death and the installation of the Regent were announced on July 13, 2026.
He noted, however, that he had arranged for his customary greetings to be delivered by his representatives.
Akufo-Addo said his visit to Yendi was also intended to honour the memory of his “good friend” and the late Ya-Na in his personal capacity, as well as in recognition of the title of Naa Abudani bestowed on him by the late traditional ruler.
The title, he said, was conferred on him during the late Ya-Na’s historic installation on January 25, 2019, in recognition of his contribution to efforts to facilitate reconciliation between Dagbon’s two major royal families, the Abudus and Andanis.
According to the former president, Ya-Na Abukari II had a successful reign during which Dagbon experienced significant peace and development.
“I remain deeply appreciative of the leadership of the late Ya Na, and I shall continue to hold his memory in the highest regard,” Akufo-Addo said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
He also commended the Regent and senior traditional leaders of Dagbon for their decision to uphold the Peace Accord, which provides for the selection of a successor to the late Ya-Na through the traditional principle of rotation.
Akufo-Addo said maintaining peace in Dagbon was important not only to the people of the traditional area but also to the peace, stability and development of the Northern sector and Ghana as a whole.
The former president also disclosed that he was in Tolon on Friday, August 28, 2026, to mourn with the chiefs and people of the area following the death of the Tolon Naa, Major (Rtd) Sulemana Abubakari.
He said he had shared a personal relationship with the late Tolon Naa for many years and remembered him for his “remarkable leadership and forthright character.”
The former president extended his sympathies to the families, traditional authorities and people affected by the deaths, while paying tribute to the contributions of both traditional leaders to their respective communities.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
