Dagbon Mourns a Monarch: Ya-Na Abukari II Laid to Rest, Leaders Hail Legacy of Peace!
Ghana mourns the passing of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, Overlord of Dagbon, whose reign was marked by profound peace and reconciliation. Tributes from government, traditional leaders, and politicians highlight his unifying legacy and efforts to restore stability to the Dagbon Kingdom. His burial, conducted according to ancient customs, initiates the traditional succession process.
The passing of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, the Overlord of Dagbon, on Monday, July 13, has triggered a wave of profound sorrow and heartfelt tributes from the Government, traditional leaders, and prominent political figures across Ghana. His death is widely regarded as a significant loss to the Dagbon Kingdom and the entire nation, marking the conclusion of a reign primarily defined by monumental efforts in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and fostering unity after years of prolonged conflict.
The Government of Ghana, through President John Dramani Mahama, extended its deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and all Ghanaians during this period of immense grief. In a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the late Yaa Naa was remembered as a distinguished traditional ruler whose leadership brought about healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace within Dagbon. His unwavering commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for substantial development across the kingdom. The government also acknowledged his role in strengthening the enduring partnership between traditional authorities and the state in promoting progress throughout Dagbon and Ghana at large.
The solemn burial of Yaa Naa Abubakari II took place before sunrise at the royal mausoleum situated within the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, conducted in strict adherence to ancient Dagbon traditional customs. The dawn ceremony, led by the Kuga Naa (the traditional father of Dagbon) and the Dagbon Consecrated Council of Elders, marked the final farewell to the 41st Yaa Naa. Traditional rites commenced with a formal announcement by the Kuga Naa, followed by the purification of the palace. Security measures were reinforced around Yendi as chiefs whose skins are directly derived from the Yaa Naa gathered at the forecourt of the Gbewaa Palace to pay their respects. Royal drummers recited the king's lineage in subdued, mournful tones, a stark contrast to the triumphant bangumanga rhythms typically associated with a reigning Yaa Naa. The burial itself occurred inside the royal mausoleum, customary for overlords of Dagbon, with only a select group of elders and family members present for the final rites.
Yaa Naa Abubakari II was enskinned on January 25, 2019, at the age of 87, following years of intensive mediation by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to resolve the long-standing Dagbon chieftaincy dispute. His ascension to the throne successfully brought an end to a prolonged period of uncertainty and conflict, stemming from the 2002 clashes between the Andani and Abudu royal gates. Throughout his reign, he was consistently regarded as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, tirelessly working to strengthen unity and cohesion within the kingdom.
Tributes from prominent national figures further underscored his profound and lasting impact. Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, paid homage to the late monarch, describing him as a leader whose commitment to peace, reconciliation, and unity transformed the kingdom and left an indelible legacy. Iddrisu proclaimed that Dagbon had lost