Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing him as a unifying leader whose reign restored dignity, pride and stability to the Dagbon Kingdom.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, July 13, the former President said he received news of the customary announcement by the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi confirming the passing of the revered monarch.
Akufo-Addo described the late Yaa Naa as “a great figure of unity, strength and the enduring legacy of a proud and dignified people,” saying he now joins the long line of Dagbon royals who have shaped the kingdom’s history for more than three centuries.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on the resolution of the long-standing Dagbon chieftaincy dispute, Akufo-Addo said the late Yaa-Naa, then the Chief of Savelugu (Yoo Naa), played a pivotal role in the reconciliation process that culminated in his enskinment during his presidency.
“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,” Akufo-Addo said.
The former President also recalled being honoured with the traditional title “Naa Abudani” by the Yaa-Naa during the 2020 Damba Festival—the first celebrated after the King’s enskinment.
“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,” he stated.
According to Akufo-Addo, the late monarch’s reign ushered in “a rapid resurgence of dignity, pride, unity and cultural renaissance across Dagbon.”
He urged the chiefs, kingmakers and elders of Dagbon to safeguard that legacy by ensuring a peaceful and orderly transition in accordance with the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
“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 said.
Akufo-Addo also welcomed the successful enskinment of a regent and called on Ghanaians to stand with the people of Dagbon during their period of mourning.
On behalf of himself and his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the former President extended his deepest condolences to the family of the late Yaa-Naa, the chiefs, elders and the people of Dagbon.
“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,” he said.
