The Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II, has died in South Africa where he travelled for medical treatment after a short illness.
Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, who is the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, announced the overlord’s death amidst traditional drumming at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi in the Northern Region.
Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II has since been buried in accordance with the customs and traditions of Dagbon.
However, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu has since been installed as the Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom, serving as the traditional caretaker and overseeing the kingdom’s affairs on behalf of the Dagbon throne in accordance with Dagbon custom.
In 2019, Abukari Mahama II was crowned the King of Dagbon in a coronation which attracted thousands of traditional and political personalities, as well as well-wishers in Ghana and abroad.
The coronation was the culmination of elaborate traditional arrangements which started with the presentation of cola by the Gushei Naa and Kuga Naa in accordance with Dagbon tradition after the funeral rites for the late Ya Naa Yakubu Andani II, who died in 2002, were completed.
The late Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II was the 42nd Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom.
Govt Mourns Ya Naa
The Government has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing his death as a great loss to the Dagbon Kingdom and the nation.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, the government said President John Dramani Mahama extends his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and Ghanaians during what it described as a period of immense grief.
According to the statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the late Yaa Naa would be remembered as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign ushered in healing, reconciliation and lasting peace in Dagbon after years of conflict.
The government noted that the late King’s unwavering commitment to unity, stability and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for development across the kingdom.
It added that his leadership also strengthened the enduring partnership between traditional authorities and the government in promoting progress in Dagbon and across Ghana.
Paying tribute to the revered traditional leader, the government said Ya Naa Abukari Mahama II rendered invaluable service to the nation through his wisdom, statesmanship and dedication to peace.
It expressed confidence that his legacy of unity and selfless leadership would continue to inspire future generations, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Ya Naa’s soul while assuring the Royal Family and the people of Dagbon of the government’s solidarity and support as they mourn one of Ghana’s most respected traditional rulers.
Bawumia Eulogises Ya Naa
Also, Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has extended his condolences to the family and people of Dagbon for the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya Naa Abukari II.
“It is with grief that I send my sincere condolences to the Chiefs and people of the Dagbon Kingdom on the passing of Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Mahama Il,” he said in a statement.
The former Vice President noted that the late Ndan Ya Naa Abukari Il emerged as the King of Dagbon during one of the most challenging periods in Dagbon history, and with ancestral wisdom and patience, he guided the ancient Kingdom towards peace, unity and prosperity.
“His reign was short but greatly impactful. Through his wise leadership, he united families once broken and healed a society greatly fractured before him,” he disclosed.
According to him, the late Overlord of Dagbon represented a blend of tradition and modernity perfectly in the way he led Dagbon, adding that he constantly advocated for and lobbied for major developmental projects in Dagbon.
“At the personal level, I benefited immensely from his counsel during my time as Vice President of Ghana and later, as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party. It was always an honour to pay him homage at the ancient Gbewaa Palace and to draw from his immeasurable wisdom and guidance,” he revealed.
“His passing marks a great loss to me, to the Dagbon Kingdom, and to Ghana as a whole. May Allah comfort his immediate family, the Chiefs and people of Dagbon, and Ghana as a whole. It is a painful affliction,” the statement added.
FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale