By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Mahama has described the death of Yaa-Naa Abukari II as a profound national loss, paying glowing tribute to the late Dagbon overlord’s unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation and national unity.
Receiving the Dagbon Traditional Council at the Presidency to officially announce the King’s passing, President Mahama said Ghana had lost one of its most respected traditional rulers, whose wisdom and statesmanship transformed Dagbon into a symbol of stability and hope.
President Mahama reflected on his close personal relationship with the late Yaa-Naa, recalling that they first worked together during his first term in office as part of the mediation process that restored lasting peace to Dagbon. He said their bond grew beyond official duties into a father-son relationship that endured over the years.
The President praised the late King’s leadership, noting that Yaa-Naa Abukari II inherited a kingdom emerging from conflict but successfully united the royal gates through patience, humility and courageous leadership. He described the unanimous adoption of the Dagbon Constitution as one of the monarch’s most enduring achievements, providing a lasting framework for governance, succession and stability.
President Mahama also commended the late Yaa-Naa’s role as a national peacemaker, highlighting his efforts to promote dialogue among traditional leaders and Muslim communities, as well as his landmark engagement with the Gonja Kingdom, which paved the way for resolving longstanding boundary issues.
Describing the late King’s counsel as thoughtful, balanced and always guided by the national interest, President Mahama said Ghana had lost a respected statesman whose advice would be greatly missed. He disclosed that every effort was made to save the King’s life, but ultimately, Allah’s will prevailed.
The President assured the Dagbon Traditional Council and the people of Dagbon of government’s full support throughout the mourning period, pledging to work closely with traditional authorities to accord the late Yaa-Naa befitting state honours.
President Mahama prayed for Allah to grant Yaa-Naa Abukari II eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and urged Ghanaians to preserve the late King’s enduring legacy of peace, reconciliation and selfless service to the nation.
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