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 monarch whose reign restored peace, dignity and stability to the Dagbon Kingdom.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, July 13, the former President said he received with sadness the customary announcement by the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi confirming the passing of the revered traditional ruler.
Akufo-Addo described the late Yaa Naa as “a great figure of unity, strength and the enduring legacy of a proud and dignified people,” whose reign contributed significantly to the continued progress of the Dagbon 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,” he said.
Reflecting on the resolution of the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy dispute, the former President said the late Yaa Naa, then the Yoo Naa of Savelugu, played a crucial role in the reconciliation process that eventually led to his enskinment during Akufo-Addo’s administration.
According to him, the late monarch and the two other royal princes embraced dialogue and accepted proposals aimed at restoring lasting peace to the kingdom.
“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,” he stated.
Akufo-Addo also recalled being conferred 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 said.
The former President noted that the late Yaa Naa’s reign ushered in renewed dignity, unity, cultural revival and development across Dagbon.
He urged the chiefs, kingmakers and elders of Dagbon to preserve the late King’s 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 appealed to Ghanaians to stand in solidarity 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 heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Yaa Naa, the chiefs, elders and 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.
