Ya Na's Death a National Loss, Says President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has declared the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, a national loss, extending profound grief beyond the Dagbon region to the entire country. He lauded the late traditional leader as a statesman whose reign exemplified true leadership through the promotion of peace, reconciliation, and unity.

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The passing of Ya-Na is not only a moment of profound grief for Dagbon, but it is a national loss.

Addressing a delegation from the Northern Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House, President Mahama stated that Ghana had lost a respected figure whose wisdom and commitment to peace transcended political, ethnic, and religious divides. The delegation was present to officially notify the Presidency of the traditional ruler's passing.

President Mahama highlighted the late Ya-Na's significant contributions to national cohesion, particularly through mediation and dialogue, which helped strengthen relations among traditional authorities. He commended the transformation of a kingdom once fractured by conflict into a symbol of reconciliation, citing the unanimous adoption of the Dagbon Constitution and peace-building efforts beyond the region, including a historic visit to the Yagbonwura of the Gonja Kingdom.

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Ghana has lost a statesman amongst traditional rulers, a man whose wisdom, moderation and commitment to peace earned him the respect of people across political, ethnic and religious divides.

The President also shared a personal connection with the late King, describing their relationship as akin to father and son, forged during his first term in office while working with a mediation team to resolve the long-standing Dagbon crisis. He noted that he had personally benefited from the late Ya-Na's counsel on national matters, characterizing his advice as thoughtful, balanced, and always guided by the welfare of his people and the unity of the country. President Mahama extended condolences to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family, and the people of Dagbon, assuring them of the government's support throughout the mourning period.

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thoughtful, balanced and guided by the welfare of his people and the unity of our country.