Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Enskinned as Dagbon Regent; President Mahama Calls for Peace During Transition

Kampakuya Naa Yakubu, the eldest son of the late Ya-Na Abukari II, has been officially enskinned as the Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom following the passing of the Overlord on July 11, 2026. The installation ceremony, held at the historic Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, marks the beginning of a critical transition period for one of Ghana’s most prominent traditional states. The enskinment was conducted by the kingdom's kingmakers through a blend of traditional and Islamic rites, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and religious pluralism that defines the Dagbon people. As Regent, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu assumes the responsibility of steering the kingdom's affairs and upholding peace until a substantive successor is chosen. The high-profile ceremony was attended by a national delegation led by President John Mahama, who joined traditional leaders, government officials, and thousands of mourners to pay their respects. President Mahama used the occasion to praise the late Ya-Na Abukari II for his steadfast commitment to unity and socio-economic development. The President issued a call for calm and decorum throughout the kingdom, urging the kingmakers and the public to navigate the sensitive succession process with patience. He emphasized that maintaining stability is essential to honoring the legacy of the late Overlord and ensuring the continued progress of the region. In a notable development during the funeral rites, prominent Ghanaian businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome disclosed deep personal ties to the Dagbon royalty. Speaking at the event in Yendi, Woyome revealed that the late Ya-Na was his uncle and asserted his own status as a prince of the Dagbon Kingdom. His presence and disclosure highlighted the broad societal influence of the Dagbon monarchy. Meanwhile, the new Regent pledged to continue the various development initiatives and peace-building efforts initiated by his father, promising to work closely with all stakeholders during his tenure. The enskinment of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu is a pivotal step in the traditional protocols of the Dagbon state. His primary mandate includes overseeing the final funeral rites for the late Ya-Na, a process that is culturally significant and must be completed before the selection of a new Overlord. The smooth execution of these rites is seen by observers as a vital test for the harmony of Northern Ghana. With the support of the Council of State and the central government, the Regent is expected to maintain order and tradition during this period of mourning and transition.