The eldest son of the late Ya-Na Abukari II has been enskinned as Regent of Dagbon, with President John Dramani Mahama urging unity and calm as the kingdom prepares to select a new Overlord.
Kampakuya Naa Yakubu will oversee the affairs of the Dagbon Kingdom during the transition, acting as traditional caretaker of the throne until a new Ya-Na is chosen and enskinned through the established customary process.
Under Dagbon tradition, the title of Kampakuya Naa is given to the eldest son of a late Ya-Na. The Regent will work with the kingmakers and the Dagbon Traditional Council (DTC) to organise the final funeral rites of Ya-Na Abukari II, maintain peace and stability, and ensure the continued administration of the kingdom.
His enskinment at Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, in Ghana’s Northern Region, marks a significant stage in the succession process. Chiefs, politicians, government officials, religious leaders and residents gathered for the ceremony, alongside mourners and visitors from across the country.
Among those present were President Mahama, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and representatives of different political parties.
The palace and the town of Yendi were crowded from the early hours as people assembled to honour the late Overlord and witness the historic customary ceremony.
The proceedings combined traditional and Islamic practices. They included the shaving of the Regent’s head, recitations from the Holy Quran and special prayers led by Islamic clerics, who asked for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and eternal peace for Ya-Na Abukari II.
Traditional authorities, chiefs, drummers and cultural groups also displayed elements of Dagbon’s cultural heritage. The chiefs’ regalia, traditional drumming and customary rites highlighted the historical importance of the kingdom and the Ya-Na’s role as custodian of its traditions and identity.
Mahama calls for unity
Speaking at the event, President Mahama described Ya-Na Abukari II as a leader who brought people together and whose reign made an important contribution to peace and development in Dagbon.
He said the late Overlord’s efforts to promote reconciliation and stability would continue to guide future generations of traditional leaders.
President Mahama called on the people of Dagbon to remain united and uphold peace, mutual respect and unity while the customary succession process takes place.
He said Ya-Na Abukari II had inherited a kingdom affected by division and a breakdown in peace, but had helped restore reconciliation during his reign.
The President also praised the late Overlord’s commitment to development, particularly in agriculture, health care, roads, education and youth development.
“He was very passionate about agriculture, health, road infrastructure, education, youth development and many others,” he stressed.
President Mahama pledged government support for Kampakuya Naa Yakubu as he seeks to continue the peace and development agenda associated with his father.
Dr Bawumia described Ya-Na Abukari II as a father figure to all and said his leadership had helped restore lasting peace in the kingdom. He added that the selection of the next Overlord must protect the late Ya-Na’s legacy and follow the peace agreement between the royal gates.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Regent, the Paramount Chief of the Zanbalung Traditional Area, Naa Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, pledged to preserve the foundations of peace built by Ya-Na Abukari II.
He said the rotational arrangement governing chieftaincy succession in Dagbon was a sacred agreement between the royal families and a key basis for lasting peace between the Abudu and Andani gates.
“My father demonstrated this wisdom when he enskinned more Abudu chiefs than Andani chiefs during his reign, choosing the peace of the kingdom over gate advantage,” he said.
He confirmed that the rotational system would be respected when the time comes to select and enskin a new Ya-Na, with the process guided by Dagbon traditions and the existing peace agreement.
The Regent also pledged to continue development projects backed by the late Overlord. They include the palace construction project, the Dagbon 10-year Development Plan, the University for Development Studies (UDS), Yendi Campus, and agricultural and energy development partnerships.
Ya-Na Abukari II was buried at Katini, the royal mausoleum, last Monday in accordance with Dagbon tradition. He died in South Africa on 12 July 2026 while receiving medical treatment.
His remains were flown to Yendi, the traditional seat of Dagbon, for interment on Monday after the necessary rites had been completed. The third-day and seventh-day prayers, known as Adua, have since been held in line with Islamic tradition.
