Dagbon delegation calls on Okyenhene after Yaa-Naa's passing

A delegation from Dagbon in the Northern Region has called on the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, to officially inform him of the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Nda Yaa-Naa Abukari II.

The delegation also invited the Okyenhene to the final funeral rites and other activities following the burial of Nda Yaa-Naa Abukari II.

The delegation included Naa Bapir Pishigu-Lana Alhassan Andani, Paramount Chief of the Pishigu Traditional Area; Naa Bapir Sakpe-Naa Alabira, Paramount Chief of the Sakpe Traditional Area; Naa Dachi Tapha Mahamadu III, Paramount Chief of the Dalung Traditional Area; and Naa Dachi Nyankpal-Lana Mohammed, Paramount Chief of the Nyankpala Traditional Area.

Other members of the delegation were Mohammed Adam Gariba, Registrar of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs; Chief Issah Munkaila, Medina Dagbamba-Naa; Chief Awudu Abdallah, Kasoa Dagbamba-Naa; Chief Sulley Mohammed, Amehire Dagbamba-Naa; and Alhaji Salifu, Secretary to the Greater Accra Dagbamba-Naa.

Leader of the delegation, Naa Bapir Pishigu-Lana Alhassan Andani, highlighted the brotherly relationship between the late Yaa-Naa and Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin.

He said the bond between the two great kingdoms transcended the lives of individual kings and would be preserved by future generations.

According to the delegation, the late Yaa-Naa answered his ancestors' call on July 11, 2026, and was buried on July 13, 2026, in accordance with Muslim and Dagbon traditions.

They indicated that the seventh-day prayer ceremony was held on July 24, 2026, at the Gbewaa Palace.

They informed the Okyenhene of the installation of Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu II as Regent of Dagbon on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, eulogized the late Yaa-Naa for his efforts in sustaining peace in Dagbon.

He said the greatest tribute that could be paid to the memory of Yaa-Naa Abukari II was to preserve the peace, unity, and reconciliation he tirelessly championed throughout his life.

He urged the kingmakers and the entire Dagbon State to honour the memory of the late Yaa-Naa by preserving the peace, unity, and development of Dagbon.

"Yaa-Naa Abukari II was a towering symbol of peace, unity, and statesmanship. His reign brought to a close one of the most painful chapters in the history of Northern Ghana through the amicable resolution of the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy crisis," the Okyenhene said.

He noted that the late Yaa-Naa's leadership demonstrated that dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect remain the surest foundations for lasting peace.

"He was the epitome of tolerance, wisdom, and compassion. These rare qualities enabled him to redefine traditional leadership as a powerful instrument for national cohesion and development. His influence extended far beyond the borders of Dagbon as he worked closely with traditional authorities across Ghana to build consensus on matters of national importance and promote harmony among the country's diverse communities," Osagyefuo noted.



Osagyefuo also recalled with gratitude Yaa-Naa Abukari II's acceptance of the invitation to serve as Special Guest of Honour during the celebration marking the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the Ofori Panin Stool.

"His passing is a tremendous loss to Ghana. Okyeman has lost a cherished brother, a respected father figure, and a trusted friend. His legacy of peace, reconciliation, and visionary leadership will continue to inspire generations yet unborn," Osagyefuo said.