A high-powered delegation from the Dagbon Kingdom on Monday formally notified President John Dramani Mahama of the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, during a solemn ceremony at the Presidency in Accra.
The delegation, led by Nanton Naa Mahamadu Bawa, comprised members of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, who conveyed the traditional and official notification in accordance with the customs and protocols of the Dagbon Kingdom.
The visit forms part of the elaborate customary processes observed following the demise of a Yaa-Naa, during which key state authorities are formally informed of the passing of the revered monarch.
Receiving the delegation, President Mahama described the death of Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II as a national loss, paying glowing tribute to the late King for his unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation and national unity.
“The passing of Ya-Naa is not only a moment of profound grief for Dagbon, but it is a national loss,” President Mahama said.
“Ghana has lost a statesman amongst traditional rulers, a man whose wisdom, moderation and commitment to peace earned him the respect of people across political, ethnic and religious divides.”
The President extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family, chiefs and the people of Dagbon.
He said the late monarch ascended the Dagbon Skin at one of the most challenging periods in the kingdom’s history but successfully transformed Dagbon into “an enduring symbol of reconciliation, unity and hope.”
According to the President, the reign of Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II demonstrated that genuine leadership is defined by the ability to unite people and heal divisions.
“His reign demonstrated that true leadership is measured not by power, but by the ability to heal divisions and unite people behind a common purpose,” he stated.
President Mahama also recalled one of the late King’s most enduring principles.
“I love those who build bridges of peace, but I do not like those who destroy the peace.”
The President said the statement was more than a personal philosophy, describing it as the guiding principle that shaped the late Yaa-Naa’s reign and a lesson worthy of emulation by all Ghanaians.
He further commended the late Overlord for championing key institutional reforms within the Dagbon Kingdom, particularly the preparation and adoption of the Dagbon Constitution, which he said has strengthened governance, succession and stability within the traditional area.
Beyond Dagbon, President Mahama noted that Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II made significant contributions to national cohesion through mediation, dialogue and the promotion of harmonious relations among traditional authorities.
He cited the late King’s historic visit to the Yagbonwura as one of the defining moments of his reign, saying it paved the way for the establishment of a joint Dagbon-Gonja committee to address longstanding boundary issues between the two traditional areas.
The President also disclosed that he personally benefited from the wise counsel of the late Yaa-Naa on matters of national importance.
“His advice was always thoughtful, balanced and guided by the welfare of his people and the unity of our country,” he said.
President Mahama assured the Dagbon Traditional Council of the government’s full support throughout the mourning period and pledged to work closely with the kingdom to ensure befitting state courtesies for the late monarch.
“I am positive that he has laid the foundation for a smooth succession in Dagbon. We shall work closely with the Dagbon Traditional Council to ensure that the appropriate state courtesies and support are extended as preparations are made for the final funeral rites of our departed king,” he stated.
The President concluded by praying for Allah to grant the late Yaa-Naa eternal rest and expressed hope that his legacy of peace, wisdom, reconciliation and selfless service would continue to inspire future generations.
Meanwhile, the Gbewaa Palace has announced that the seventh-day Adua (Islamic prayers for the dead) for Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. The ceremony is expected to draw traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, political leaders and thousands of mourners from across Ghana as the Dagbon Kingdom continues its official mourning and funeral rites for the late Overlord.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
