A high-powered delegation from the Dagbon Kingdom, led by Nanton Naa Mahamudu V, on Monday, July 20, 2026, formally informed President John Dramani Mahama of the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II.

The late Yaa Naa Abukari II died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in South Africa. He was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic tradition and Dagbon custom in the early hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, within the sacred premises of the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

Nanton Naa Mahamudu V noted that the third-day Islamic prayers were observed on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He also acknowledged the President’s support during the period when the Yaa Naa’s health condition worsened.

Responding, President Mahama paid tribute to the late Yaa Naa for his efforts in sustaining peace within the Dagbon Kingdom.

“Our father has passed. It is a sad moment for all of us,” the President said.

President Mahama revealed that his relationship with the late Overlord extended beyond their respective positions.

“I’ve known him for many years, even at a time when he was Yo Naa, and we worked together with him in my first presidency, alongside the Otumfuo Team, to resolve the Dagbon crisis at the time. We’ve remained like father and son, even through my years after leaving office, until I was elected back to this position. We have come a very long way together,” he said.

On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, President Mahama extended his deepest condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family, the Chiefs and People of Dagbon, and all Ghanaians mourning the loss of one of the nation’s most distinguished traditional rulers.

The President further noted that the late Yaa Naa envisioned a Dagbon that would be peaceful, prosperous, and forward-looking, an ideal he urged the successor and the entire traditional council to uphold.

“His absence will be deeply felt. Indeed, we did everything humanly possible to preserve his life. But Allah, the Master of the Universe, knows best,” President Mahama said.

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