President John Dramani Mahama has described the death of Ya-Na Abukari II, the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, as a national loss, praising the late traditional ruler for his role in promoting peace, reconciliation and national unity.
President Mahama expressed the sentiments on Monday, July 20, 2026, when he received a delegation from the Dagbon Traditional Council at the Presidency following the official notification of the Ya-Na’s passing.
The President, on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, extended his condolences to the royal family, chiefs and people of Dagbon over the death of the revered traditional ruler.
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President Mahama praised the late Ya-Na Abukari II for successfully guiding the Dagbon Kingdom through a difficult period and helping to transform it into a symbol of peace, unity and hope.
He also commended the late overlord for his efforts to strengthen traditional governance through institutional reforms, including the adoption of the Dagbon Constitution.
According to President Mahama, the late Ya-Na’s leadership went beyond the traditional boundaries of Dagbon, with his commitment to dialogue and mediation contributing to broader efforts to promote national cohesion.
The President highlighted the late king’s historic engagement with the Yagbonwura, which contributed to the establishment of a joint Dagbon-Gonja committee to address boundary disputes.
President Mahama also noted that he personally benefited from the late Ya-Na’s wise counsel on several matters of national importance.
Describing the death of Ya-Na Abukari II as a significant loss to Ghana, President Mahama said the late monarch had earned widespread respect through his wisdom, moderation and commitment to peace.
“The passing of Ya-Na is not only a moment of profound grief for Dagbon, but it is a national loss. 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,” President Mahama said.
He added that the late overlord’s reign demonstrated that “true leadership is measured not by power, but by the ability to heal divisions and unite people behind a common purpose.”
President Mahama assured the Dagbon Traditional Council of the government’s support as preparations begin for the final funeral rites of the late Ya-Na Abukari II.
He said the government would work closely with the Traditional Council to ensure that the appropriate state courtesies were accorded to the late king.
The President’s tribute comes as the people of Dagbon mourn the passing of a traditional ruler whose reign was marked by efforts to strengthen peace, reconciliation and unity within the kingdom and across Ghana.