Former Vice-President and 2028 NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has paid tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, praising him as a king whose leadership brought lasting peace and unity to the kingdom.
Dr Bawumia was speaking in Yendi on Friday, 31 July, at the outdooring of the newly installed Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari. The ceremony followed the death of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II on 11 July 2026.
Addressing mourners, chiefs and other dignitaries, Dr Bawumia said he was deeply saddened by the death of the revered monarch. He described Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II as a leader devoted to peace, love and unity.
He said the late Ya-Na had worked consistently to bring the people of Dagbon together and had led without discrimination.
According to Dr Bawumia, the monarch’s reign strengthened the peace that had been established across the kingdom. He portrayed him as a unifying figure whose influence extended beyond traditional authority and helped reinforce harmony among the people of Dagbon.
Dr Bawumia also spoke about his personal relationship with Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, which he said began before the latter ascended the Dagbon skin.
He recalled a meeting in Savelugu in 2016 when the two men exchanged jokes about marriage and “tasting soup”. The anecdote, he said, reflected the warmth and familiarity that characterised their relationship over many years.
Dr Bawumia further remembered seeking the late Ya-Na’s opinion on the performance of the then NPP government. He said their discussions demonstrated the cordial relationship they maintained.
The tribute followed remarks by Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, who pledged to preserve the rotational chieftaincy succession system between the Andani and Abudu gates.
The newly installed Regent also promised to protect the peace and unity established during the reign of his late father.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari will oversee the affairs of the Dagbon Kingdom while preparations are made for the final funeral rites of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II. He will remain in the role until a new Overlord is selected in line with Dagbon customs and traditions.
The succession process will take place after the late Ya-Na’s funeral rites have been completed, with the kingdom’s traditional arrangements determining the selection of the next Overlord.
