Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Yaa-Naa Abukari II, Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom.
Akufo-Addo described the late Yaa-Naa as a unifying leader whose reign restored dignity, peace and cultural pride to Dagbon after years of conflict.
In a statement issued following the customary announcement of the King’s death by the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, Akufo-Addo recalled that Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II, then Yoo Naa of Savelugu, worked with other royal princes to implement the roadmap that led to the restoration of the Dagbon kingship during his presidency.
Akufo-Addo also recounted being conferred with the traditional title “Naa Abudani” in 2020 in recognition of his role in the reconciliation process and urged the chiefs, kingmakers and elders of Dagbon to ensure a peaceful succession in accordance with the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
In a post shared on social media, Akufo-Addo wrote, “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 unending, became known as the “Dagbon Crisis” 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 advice 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, Kingmakers and elders of Dagbon to ensure that his legacy is cemented by ensuring a smooth and peaceful 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”.
In related news, the Dagbon Traditional Council has revealed that the third-day prayers for the late Overlord of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
According to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the prayers form part of Islamic mourning traditions and will take place at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi at 10:00 a.m., with members of the public invited to attend and offer prayers for the soul of the late King.
The Dagbon Traditional Council announcement follows the burial of Yaa-Naa Abukari II in the early hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, within the sacred precincts of the Gbewaa Palace.
The Dagbon Traditional Council described the late King as a symbol of peace and unity.
They added that his reign was marked by efforts to promote harmony and development within the kingdom, urging the people of Dagbon to honour his memory by maintaining peace and avoiding conflict during the mourning period.
Meanwhile, the Council said arrangements for the full funeral rites of Yaa-Naa Abukari II will be announced in line with Dagbon tradition and royal protocol.
Reports suggest Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, who was also President of the Dagbon Traditional Council and the Northern Region House of Chiefs, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
See the post below:
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.
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) July 13, 2026
A great figure of unity, strength and the enduring legacy of a proud… pic.twitter.com/uQpbXeqE7o
