The family of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ya‐Na Abukari Mahama II, has pledged to preserve the peace, unity and reconciliation he forged in northern Ghana, after formally informing the Presidency of his death.
Royal delegation at Jubilee House
A high‐powered traditional delegation, led by Naa Yeb’Nanton Naa Mahamadu V, visited Jubilee House on Monday 20 July to officially announce the passing of the revered monarch and to express gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his support during the Ya‐Na’s final illness and after his death.
Addressing President Mahama, the family underscored its determination to uphold the late king’s values and work.
“We commit to carrying forward his legacy. We commit to maintaining the peace he worked so hard to build. We commit to continuing the bridge‐building that defined his reign,” the delegation told the President.
The Dagbon traditional area, one of Ghana’s most prominent and historically contested kingdoms, has in recent years been widely cited as a symbol of reconciliation after decades of chieftaincy tensions. Under Ya‐Na Abukari Mahama II, that peace process was seen as having consolidated.
Date of death and burial rites
The family confirmed that Ya‐Na Abukari Mahama II died on Saturday 11 July 2026.
In keeping with Islamic rites and Dagbon custom, he was buried at dawn on Monday 13 July at the Gbewaa Palace, the traditional seat of the Dagbon kingdom.
The delegation outlined the timetable of the funeral and religious observances already held and those still to come. Third‐day prayers took place on 16 July, while seventh‐day prayers are scheduled for Friday 24 July.
These rites form a key part of both Islamic mourning practices and Dagbon royal tradition, providing structured moments for communal reflection and the reaffirmation of social cohesion in the kingdom.
Regent to be installed
As part of the transition arrangements, the family announced that the installation of the Regent, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, is set for Friday 31 July.
The regent customarily steers the affairs of the traditional area in the interim period, ensuring continuity of leadership and stability while succession processes unfold according to custom.
The timing and structure of the rites, together with the early appointment of a regent, are seen as critical to safeguarding the fragile but hard‐won peace in Dagbon, which has in the past experienced deep‐seated division over the chieftaincy.
Presidential support praised
The delegation used the visit to commend President Mahama for his role in supporting the Ya‐Na during his illness.
They said the head of state had facilitated specialised medical care abroad when Ya‐Na Abukari Mahama II’s health deteriorated, and had ensured that his remains were brought back to Ghana with full dignity following his passing.
By publicly thanking the President at Jubilee House, the palace of the Ghanaian Presidency, the royal family signalled its desire to maintain strong ties with the national government at a sensitive moment of transition for Dagbon.
The commitments voiced at the Presidency suggest that, even in mourning, the kingdom’s leadership is intent on consolidating the late overlord’s legacy of peacebuilding and unity across Dagbon and beyond.
