Dagbon Mourns Overlord Ya-Naa Abukari II; Regent Enskinned as Ghana Pays Tribute to a Peacemaker

The Dagbon Kingdom and the nation of Ghana are in mourning following the passing of Ndan Ya-Naa Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, who died at the age of 87 in South Africa after a short illness. In accordance with Dagbon tradition, his eldest son, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, has been enskinned as the Regent of Dagbon following the King's burial at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. The late Overlord, who reigned for seven years, was a pivotal figure in Northern Ghana, widely credited with restoring stability and dignity to one of the country's most prominent traditional states after decades of unrest.

Ya-Naa Abukari II’s reign, which began on January 18, 2019, marked the historic resolution of a 16-year chieftaincy dispute that had deeply divided the kingdom. His enskinment as the 41st Yaa-Naa was a cornerstone of the Dagbon peace process, facilitated by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs and supported by the national government. Throughout his tenure, he focused on building "bridges of peace," establishing the Dagbon Development Fund, and modernizing traditional governance. Notably, the Dagbon State has issued a clarification regarding his title, stating he should be officially referred to as Ya-Naa Abukari II, correcting previous references to him as "Mahama II."

Tributes have poured in from the highest levels of government, with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia describing his death as a monumental loss for the nation. President Akufo-Addo, who was honored with the title "Naa Abudani" by the late King in 2020, praised him as a unifying figure whose reign brought peace back to the region. The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs emphasized the Overlord's contributions to socio-economic development and national reconciliation. In a mark of respect, the Yendi Municipal Directorate ordered the temporary closure of local schools, reflecting the deep reverence for the departed monarch within his capital.

To ensure public safety during the funeral ceremonies, the Dagbon Council of Kingmakers has imposed a strict ban on the use of live ammunition during traditional rites. Chief Iddi Lansah Seidu warned that the ban is necessary to prevent celebratory gunfire injuries, and anyone found in possession of live rounds will face arrest. As the kingdom prepares for the third-day Adua (prayers) scheduled for July 16, 2026, the focus remains on a peaceful succession. National leaders have urged the people of Dagbon to uphold the late Overlord's legacy of unity, ensuring that the transition to a new Ya-Naa remains as stable and dignified as the reign of Abukari II himself.