Haruna Iddrisu mourns Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II

Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, describing his death as a significant loss to the Dagbon Kingdom and Ghana as a whole.

In a statement issued on July 13, 2026, Haruna Iddrisu said Dagbon had been "plunged into a state of shock and mourning" following the death of the revered traditional ruler.

The passing of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II was officially announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, by the Head of the Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, after the performance of customary rites at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

Paying tribute to the late monarch, Haruna Iddrisu reflected on the rich history of the ancient Dagbon Kingdom, tracing its origins to the 13th and 15th centuries under the leadership of the legendary warrior Tohazie, also known as the "Red Hunter," and acknowledging the roles of Naa Gbewaa and his grandson, Naa Nyagsi, in establishing the kingdom's political structure.

He commended Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II for fostering unity and strengthening peace within Dagbon.

"You built bridges and inspired the unity of Dagbon. May your passing make the Kingdom even greater and stronger," he said.

Government mourns late Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II

Haruna Iddrisu described the late Ya-Na's greatest achievement as the successful restoration and implementation of the rotational succession arrangement between the Andani and Abudu royal gates.

"The best of your legacy is restoring the rotation and succession between the brotherly Andani and Abudu gates and making it work effectively," he stated.

According to him, the King's passing marks both a moment of grief and an opportunity to consolidate the gains made in promoting unity and stability within the kingdom.

"Your death, Ya-Na Abukari II, marks a significant moment for Dagbon, as it is both a loss and an opportunity, as I see an Abudu succeed an Andani and an Andani succeed an Abudu henceforth, progressively, for the restoration of the Dagbon State," he added.

Haruna Iddrisu concluded his tribute with a prayer for the late monarch, saying, "May Ya-Na Abukari Mahama's affable soul that has seen the reinstatement of the peace and progress of the ancient Dagbon Kingdom rest in perfect peace."

Read the statement below

STATEMENT FROM THE HONORABLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR TAMALE SOUTH HON HARUNA IDDRISU ON THE PASSING OF DAGBON OVERLORD YAA-NA ABUBAKARI MAHAMA II

Dagbon has been plunged into a state of shock and mourning with the passing of the Overlord, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.

The death of the revered traditional ruler was announced on Monday, July 13, by the Head of the Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, following the performance of customary rites at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

Great King Naa Gbewaa Abubakar Mahama II, Monarch of the ancient Dagbon Kingdom founded between the 13th and 15th centuries by northern armies led by the legendary warrior Tohazie (the "Red Hunter"), your progenitors were Naa Gbewaa and his grandson, Naa Nyagsi who consolidation and established the formal political structure.

You built bridges and inspired the unity of Dagbon. May Your passing make the Kingdom even greater and stronger.

The best of your legacy is restoring the rotation and succession between brotherly Andani and Abudu gates and making it work effectively.

Your death, Ya-Na Abukari II, marks a significant moment for the Dagbon, as it's both a loss and an opportunity, as I see an Abubu succced an Andani and an Andani succeed an Abudu henceforth, progressively, for the restoration of the Dagbon State.

May Ya-Na Abukari Mahama's affable soul that has seen the reinstatement of the peace and progress of the ancient Dagbon Kingdom rest in perfect peace.

MRA/VPO