By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, July 15, GNA — The Parliament of Ghana is mourning the passing of Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II, the 41st Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom and President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs.
The revered monarch is reported to have died on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
In a statement signed by Mr David Sebastian Damoah, the Director, Media Relations, said Parliament extended its deepest condolences to the Gbewaa Palace, the Dagbon Traditional Council, the royal family, and the entire people of Dagbon.
It described the late Yaa-Naa as a “true statesman,” whose reign marked a turning point for the Dagbon Kingdom.
Yaa-Naa Abukari II ascended the Yendi skin on January 18, 2019, following a historic peace process that ended years of division between the Abudu and Andani royal gates.
His enskinment brought closure to one of Ghana’s most protracted chieftaincy disputes.
“Under his reign, Dagbon experienced a period widely regarded as one of reconciliation, healing, and the restoration of traditional authority,” the statement noted.
It added that his commitment to dialogue, unity, and peace “strengthened not only the Dagbon Kingdom but also the wider fabric of Ghana’s chieftaincy institutions and national cohesion.”
As the nation mourns, Parliament joined the Palace in appealing to the people of Dagbon to remain united and to honor the late king’s legacy of peace.
Quoting the Palace’s appeal, the statement said, “Let there be no conflict in our grief; let there be no discord in our mourning.”
“May the Almighty grant the family of the late Yaa-Naa, the chiefs and people of Dagbon, and all who mourn him the fortitude to bear this great loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” it concluded.
The passing of Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II, just over seven years after his enskinment, marks the end of a reign credited with restoring stability and dignity to the Dagbon traditional area.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
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