General News
The King Who Healed Dagbon: Honouring Yaa Naa Abukari II
The passing of Yaa Naa Abukari II on July 13, 2026, marks the end of an era for the Kingdom of Dagbon. His reign symbolised reconciliation, stability and renewal after one of Ghana’s longest and most painful traditional leadership conflicts.
From humble beginnings as a farmer and cattle herder to becoming the 41st King of Dagbon, his life was defined by patience, service and a commitment to restoring unity within the kingdom.
Early Life
Born in Mion in 1939, Yaa Naa Abukari II was the second child of Yaa Naa Mahama II and Queen Ayishetu, a princess from Kulunkpegu. Following the death of his father in 1948 while he was still young, he grew up understanding the responsibilities and expectations that came with Dagbon royalty.
Long before ascending the throne, he lived as an ordinary chief, managing farms, rearing cattle, ploughing fields with bullocks and riding horses across Savelugu. At the time, few people outside Dagbon knew his name.
Journey to the Throne
His rise through the traditional hierarchy was gradual. He first occupied the Kpunkpono skin in the late 1990s before becoming the chief of Savelugu (Yoo Naa) in 2011. Savelugu is one of the three gate skins eligible to produce a Yaa Naa, placing him among those qualified to occupy Dagbon’s highest traditional office.
His opportunity came after years of uncertainty that followed the 2002 killing of Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II during violent clashes at the Gbewaa Palace. The incident left Dagbon without a king for nearly 17 years as succession disputes between the Abudu and Andani royal gates prevented the installation of a new overlord.
A peace process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, alongside the Committee of Eminent Chiefs and successive Ghanaian governments, eventually paved the way for reconciliation.
On January 18, 2019, after the completion of the funeral rites of Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II, the Dagbon kingmakers consulted the traditional oracle. Among four contenders, Abukari II was selected as the next Yaa Naa.
His enskinment took place between January 25 and 27, 2019, attracting national attention. The ceremony was attended by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Jerry John Rawlings, as well as prominent traditional rulers from across Ghana.
Soon after his installation, the palace officially clarified that his royal title should be “Yaa Naa Abukari II,” distinguishing his identity as king from his previous personal name.
Leadership and Achievements
Yaa Naa Abukari II focused much of his reign on rebuilding Dagbon and strengthening its institutions.
In 2021, he established the Dagbon Development Fund to support development initiatives across the kingdom. Two years later, he launched the reconstruction of the historic Gbewaa Palace, which had deteriorated during the years the throne remained vacant. The project received support from Dagomba communities both in Ghana and abroad.
Recognising the need to prevent future succession disputes, he also initiated a review of Dagbon’s 1930 constitution in 2020. The revised constitution was adopted by the Dagbon Traditional Council in 2022, introducing reforms aimed at promoting clarity, stability and lasting peace within the kingdom.
Beyond Dagbon, he extended support to communities affected by disasters. Following the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage, he donated 300 bags of maize, 100 bags of rice and 400 tubes of yams to flood victims in the Volta Region, while additional relief supplies were sent to affected communities in Buipe in the Savannah Region.
In 2024, he facilitated a partnership between Tamale Technical University and a university in Bursa, Türkiye, creating new opportunities for technical education and skills development for young people in northern Ghana.
National Recognition
His efforts earned national recognition in November 2025 when the University for Development Studies awarded him an honorary doctorate.
The university praised his role in promoting peace, reconciliation and institutional reforms within Dagbon. As part of the occasion, Yaa Naa Abukari II donated 500 acres of land in Yendi for the establishment of a new UDS campus, reflecting his commitment to education and long-term development.
Even in the final years of his reign, he remained actively engaged in national affairs. In 2025, he joined other traditional leaders in a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House to discuss issues affecting traditional governance and national development.
His Legacy
Yaa Naa Abukari II transformed a kingdom emerging from years of conflict into one focused on peace, development and reconciliation. Rather than inheriting a stable throne, he inherited a deeply divided kingdom and dedicated his reign to healing old wounds and strengthening Dagbon’s future.
His leadership will be remembered not only for restoring confidence in the Dagbon chieftaincy institution but also for laying the foundation for sustainable peace and progress.
His Passing
Yaa Naa Abukari II died on July 13, 2026, bringing to an end a reign that became a symbol of unity after years of division.
His death is expected to be widely mourned across Dagbon, Ghana and among Dagomba communities around the world, as many reflect on his lasting contributions to peace, reconciliation and the development of the kingdom.
General News
No One Is Above the Law — Private Lawyer Slams Kofi Tonto Over Criticism of Miracle Aboagye’s Arrest
Private legal practitioner Kwame Owusu-Danso has criticized comments by NPP communicator Kofi Tonto regarding the arrest of Miracle Aboagye, describing the arguments as “very dangerous” and a threat to the rule of law.
According to the lawyer, no public official or political appointee should be shielded from investigation merely because they served in government.
Reacting to Kofi Tonto’s comments via a zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Owusu-Danso questioned whether it was acceptable to suggest that individuals accused of wrongdoing should avoid arrest simply because they held political office.
“If someone in government is found to have engaged in illegal acts, that person should be arrested,” he argued, adding that public office does not grant immunity from accountability.
The lawyer further questioned whether the Attorney General should continue pursuing cases that allegedly lack merit at the expense of taxpayers, asking whether Kofi Tonto was suggesting that government officials should never be called to account for their stewardship.
He also warned against what he described as “hooliganism” by political supporters whenever arrests are made, insisting that such conduct undermines the country’s justice system.
Drawing comparisons with previous high-profile prosecutions, Owusu-Danso stated that Miracle Aboagye is “not more human” than other former public officials who were investigated and prosecuted in the past.
He maintained that if the state believes an individual failed in their stewardship while in office, investigations should be allowed to proceed. If the suspect is eventually cleared of wrongdoing, he said, the person has every right to seek legal redress for unlawful detention.
Owusu-Danso also revealed that Miracle Aboagye had previously honoured invitations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), suggesting there may have been reasons for the airport arrest that are not yet known to the public.
He concluded that Ghanaians should allow due process to take its course rather than politicizing criminal investigations, stressing that the rule of law must apply equally to everyone
General News
Government Mourns Passing of Dagbon Overlord Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II
The Government of Ghana has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing his death as a great loss to the people of Dagbon and the nation as a whole.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, by the Presidency Communications Office, President John Dramani Mahama, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and all Ghanaians during what he described as a period of immense grief.
The government paid tribute to the late traditional ruler for his remarkable leadership, noting that his reign was marked by healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace in Dagbon following years of conflict. The statement highlighted his unwavering commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people, emphasizing that his leadership created an enabling environment for development and strengthened collaboration between traditional authorities and the government.
According to the Presidency, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II will be remembered for his invaluable service to Ghana and his enduring legacy of wisdom, peace, and dedication to national progress.
“The Government pays tribute to the life and legacy of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II and honours his invaluable service to the nation. May his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace continue to inspire future generations,” the statement said.
The government concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the late monarch’s soul.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

General News
EOCO Arrests Dennis Aboagye, Gerald Appiah Over GH¢55m IMCCoD Probe
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the arrest of former Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) Executive Secretary, Dennis Aboagye, popularly known as “Miracles”, and Gerald Appiah, in connection with investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, EOCO said the investigation follows a forensic audit conducted into the activities of IMCCoD, which uncovered suspected financial misappropriation, procurement breaches, diversion and theft of public funds.
According to EOCO, the probe began last year after an initial forensic audit raised concerns about the management of funds by the committee during the period from August 2022 to February 2025.
The office said Dennis Aboagye, who served as the former Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, and Gerald Appiah are being investigated for suspected offences including conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.
EOCO further stated that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily started refunding funds allegedly connected to the investigation, but noted that the recovery of money does not by itself conclude the investigative process or clear him of any wrongdoing.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that following new findings from its investigations, it initiated steps to arrest Dennis Aboagye after he allegedly failed to honour an invitation. The office said a stop order was placed on him at the airport to prevent him from leaving the country.
EOCO added that after his arrival at Kotoka International Airport, officers from the Ghana Immigration Service executed the stop order and handed him over to EOCO officials for further investigation.
The office assured the public that the investigations are being conducted professionally and in accordance with the law, while promising further updates when necessary.
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