Former President John Dramani Mahama has described the death of the King of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, as a national tragedy, saying Ghana has lost “a statesman amongst traditional rulers” whose leadership turned a once‐troubled kingdom into a symbol of peace.
The revered overlord’s passing was formally announced on Monday 13 July by the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, after traditional rituals were completed at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, northern Ghana.
A delegation of chiefs and elders from Dagbon visited the Jubilee House on Monday 20 July to officially notify the President, in line with custom, and to initiate preparations for state support towards the late king’s funeral.
Speaking after receiving the delegation, Mr Mahama said his personal and working relationship with Yaa Naa Abukari II stretched back many years and went far beyond protocol.
“The passing of the Yaa Naa 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,” he said.
King who led Dagbon through a fragile peace
Yaa Naa Abukari II ascended to the skin at a time when Dagbon was emerging from decades of chieftaincy conflict that had left the kingdom deeply divided and placed it at the centre of national concern.
Mr Mahama recalled that the late king’s reign coincided with critical peacebuilding efforts in the north, including initiatives undertaken during his own first term in office to help resolve the Dagbon crisis.
The former president said the Yaa Naa’s stewardship was defined by “patience, humility and a commitment to building lasting peace”, noting that these traits helped stabilise the kingdom and rebuild confidence among rival factions.
He highlighted the adoption of the Dagbon Constitution as one of the late king’s key legacies, arguing that it strengthened governance, clarified succession processes and anchored stability within the traditional area.
‘I love those who build bridges of peace’
Mr Mahama praised Yaa Naa Abukari II for promoting dialogue beyond Dagbon’s borders, working to ease tensions with neighbouring traditional areas and emphasising negotiation over confrontation in settling long‐running disputes.
“His philosophy was yet profound, and as he loved to say, ‘I love those who build bridges of peace, but I do not like those who destroy the peace.’ These were not merely words; they became his guiding principle during his entire reign, and an enduring lesson for all of us,” the President stated.
He said this outlook made the Yaa Naa a point of reference for national leaders seeking counsel on delicate security and reconciliation questions, as well as a unifying figure admired across partisan and ethnic lines.
Champion of development and partnership
Beyond peacebuilding, Mr Mahama credited the late overlord with championing development across Dagbon by engaging successive governments, development agencies, diplomatic missions and the private sector.
He said Yaa Naa Abukari II consistently used his influence to draw attention to the needs of his people, focusing on improved livelihoods and social services rather than narrow traditional interests.
According to Mr Mahama, this collaborative approach helped secure projects and partnerships aimed at enhancing education, infrastructure and economic opportunities in parts of northern Ghana.
State support for funeral rites
The former president extended his condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the royal family and the people of Dagbon, emphasising that the late king’s death resonated far beyond his immediate jurisdiction.
Mr Mahama pledged that the government would stand by the traditional authorities throughout the mourning period and work closely with them to ensure that Yaa Naa Abukari II is accorded full state courtesies during his final funeral rites.
As Dagbon begins the elaborate process of honouring its departed overlord, national attention is expected to focus both on the arrangements for his burial and on the future of the kingdom he helped steer from conflict towards reconciliation.
