The Dagbon Traditional Council has announced Friday, July 31, 2026, as the date for the formal enskinment of Yakubu Abubakari, the eldest son of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, as Kampakuya-Naa (Regent of Dagbon).
The announcement was made on Friday at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi at the conclusion of the Bogli Logbu (Seventh-Day Adua) held in honour of the late Yaa-Naa.
The formal enskinment of the Kampakuya-Naa marks another significant milestone in the traditional succession process following the passing of the Overlord, who died after a brief illness and was laid to rest in accordance with Dagbon customs and traditions.
Yakubu Abubakari, who is the eldest surviving son of the late Yaa-Naa, was selected shortly after his father’s burial to serve as Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom. However, his official enskinment is expected to take place on July 31 in line with the customs and traditions governing the kingdom.
As Kampakuya-Naa, he will serve as the caretaker of the Dagbon Kingdom during the interregnum, overseeing the affairs of the kingdom and coordinating the remaining funeral rites of the late monarch until a new Yaa-Naa is selected and enskinned by the kingmakers.
The office of the Kampakuya-Naa plays a crucial role in ensuring continuity of traditional authority, maintaining stability within the kingdom and receiving dignitaries and mourners during the mourning period.
The announcement came after hundreds of mourners, including traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, government officials, politicians and sons and daughters of Dagbon from across Ghana and abroad, gathered at the Gbewaa Palace for the seventh-day Islamic prayers for the late King.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, among them the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John Mburidiba; Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Setor Dumelo; National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yammin; former Roads and Highways Minister, Inusah Fuseini; Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Rashid Tanko-Computer; and the Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro.
Also in attendance were prominent traditional and religious leaders, including Mba Dugu, Chief of Staff of the Gbewaa Palace; Naa Yab Nanton Naa; Naa Bakpemah Yoo Naa; Naa Bapri Nasa-Lana; Naa-Beli Zohi Naa; Naa Priba Gundo-Naa Vokpla; Sheikh Dalhu Abdul-Mumin, Chief of the Tamale Zongo Community; a delegation representing the Ga Mantse; and a delegation of the Dagomba Chief in Canada.
Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, who ascended the Skin of Dagbon in January 2019, is widely remembered for promoting peace, reconciliation and unity within the Dagbon Kingdom. His passing has attracted condolences from traditional authorities, political leaders, diplomatic missions, religious organisations and corporate institutions across Ghana and beyond.
The formal enskinment of Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu Abubakari is expected to pave the way for the continuation of the customary funeral rites of the late Yaa-Naa and the eventual process leading to the selection and enskinment of a new Overlord of Dagbon in accordance with the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
