Akufo-Addo Pays Tribute to Late Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, Praises His Legacy of Peace

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing him as a visionary traditional ruler whose leadership restored unity, dignity and cultural pride to the Dagbon Kingdom.

In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, July 13, Akufo-Addo said he received with sadness the customary announcement from the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi confirming the revered monarch’s passing.

According to the former President, the late Yaa-Naa was a symbol of strength, unity and the enduring heritage of the Dagbon people, whose reign would be remembered as one that brought stability and progress to the kingdom.

“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,” Akufo-Addo stated.

Reflecting on the long-standing Dagbon chieftaincy conflict, Akufo-Addo recounted the late King’s significant role in the reconciliation process that brought lasting peace to the kingdom. He explained that before ascending the throne, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II served as the Yoo Naa of Savelugu and, together with two younger princes, embraced a peaceful solution to the succession dispute.

According to Akufo-Addo, the three royal leaders accepted his proposal to resolve the crisis with mutual respect and understanding, thereby enabling the implementation of what he described as a “special solution to the special circumstances” facing Dagbon at the time.

“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,” the former President said.

Akufo-Addo noted that the successful implementation of the peace roadmap eventually led to the enskinment of Abukari Mahama II as Yaa-Naa during his presidency, bringing an end to years of division and uncertainty within the kingdom.

The former President also recalled the honour bestowed on him by the late monarch during the 2020 Damba Festival—the first Damba celebration held after the Yaa-Naa’s enskinment.

He said Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II conferred on him the traditional title “Naa Abudani” in recognition of his contribution to the reconciliation efforts that restored peace to Dagbon.

“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. It is an honour I will always treasure,” Akufo-Addo wrote.

Paying tribute to the King’s leadership, Akufo-Addo said the late Yaa-Naa’s reign witnessed a remarkable revival of dignity, unity, cultural identity and pride throughout Dagbon.

He commended the monarch for fostering reconciliation and strengthening the traditional institutions that continue to serve the people of the kingdom.

As Dagbon begins the process of selecting a new Overlord, Akufo-Addo appealed to chiefs, kingmakers and elders to safeguard the peace achieved under the late King’s reign by ensuring a smooth, orderly and peaceful transition in accordance with the customs and traditions of 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,” he stated.

The former President also welcomed the successful enskinment of a regent to oversee the affairs of the kingdom during the transition period and called on all Ghanaians to stand in solidarity with the people of Dagbon as they mourn the passing of their revered traditional ruler.

Akufo-Addo, together with his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, the chiefs and elders of Dagbon, and all citizens of the kingdom.

He concluded his tribute with a prayer for the late monarch, saying, “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.”