Ghana’s former President His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed profound grief following the passing of the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II.
The former President’s tribute follows the official customary announcement of the King’s passing by the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
Describing the late Overlord as a “great figure of unity, strength, and enduring legacy,” Akufo-Addo highlighted the pivotal role Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II played in resolving the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy crisis.
The former leader recalled that during his tenure as President, the late King—then the Chief of Savelugu (Yoo Naa)—alongside two younger princes, embraced strategic counsel that led to a historic reconciliation and his subsequent ascension to the skin.
Akufo-Addo also reflected on his personal connection to the monarch, noting the deep honour of being conferred with the title “Naa Abudani” in 2020 during the first Damba Festival after the enskinment.
“His reign has been marked by a rapid resurgence of dignity, pride, unity, and cultural renaissance across Dagbon,” the former President stated.
With a regent already successfully enskinned, Akufo-Addo urged the chiefs, kingmakers, and elders of Dagbon to preserve the late King’s legacy by ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition in accordance with centuries-old traditions.
“My wife Rebecca and I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, the chiefs, elders, and good people of Dagbon. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he added.
Below is the full statement
FORMER PRESIDENT NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO “NAA ABUDANI” MOURNS WITH DAGBON
I have been informed that the customary announcement serving notice of the sad passing of His Majesty Yaa – Naa Mahama Abukari II, overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom has been issued by the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
A great figure of unity, strength and the enduring legacy of a proud and dignified people, Yaa – Naa Mahama Abukari II joins the illustrious list of Dagbon royals who have enabled the steady progress of Dagbon for over three centuries.
He was pivotal to solving, what, for years unend, became known as the “Dagbon Crises” when he was then the Chief of Savelegu (Yoo Naa), which eventually culminated in his ultimate rise to the apex of Dagbon “namship” as Yaa Naa during my tenure as President of the Republic. He and the two younger princes at the time, with mutual respect and affection, accepted my advise towards the implementation of the special solution to the special circumstances of the Dagbon Kingdom at the time.
I was deeply honoured when he conferred on me the title “Naa Abudani” in 2020, as recognition of my efforts towards the reconciliation process in Dagbon, when I joined him in Yendi to celebrate the 1st Damba Festival following his enskinment. It is an honour I will always treasure.
His reign has been marked by a rapid resurgence of dignity, pride, unity and cultural renaissance across Dagbon. I urge the Chiefs, King makers and elders of Dagbon to ensure that his legacy is cemented by ensuring a smooth and peace transition in line with the time-tested customs and traditions of Dagbon. It is reassuring to note that a regent has already been successfully enskinned. I call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to support him and the people of Dagbon during this difficult period.
My wife Rebecca and I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, the Chiefs, elders and good people of Dagbon. May his soul rest in perfect peace in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again.
