Former President, Akufo-Addo pays tribute to late Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has joined Ghanaians in mourning the passing of the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, His Majesty Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II.

In a statement following the customary announcement from the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, the former President described the late King as “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.

The former President recalled the Yaa Naa’s crucial role in resolving the protracted “Dagbon Crisis.”

He noted that as Chief of Savelugu, Yoo Naa, the late King was pivotal to the peace process that eventually led to his enskinment as Yaa Naa during his tenure as President.

“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,” Akufo-Addo stated.

He also reflected on the honor of being enskinned as “Naa Abudani” by the late King in 2019.

The title, he said, was in recognition of his efforts toward the Dagbon reconciliation process, during the first Damba Festival celebrated in Yendi after the Yaa Naa’s enskinment. “It is an honour I will always treasure,”he added.

President Akufo-Addo said the reign of Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II was marked by “a rapid resurgence of dignity, pride, unity and cultural renaissance across Dagbon.”

He urged the Chiefs, Kingmakers and elders of Dagbon to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition in accordance with Dagbon customs, and noted that the successful enskinment of a regent was reassuring.

“I call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to support him and the people of Dagbon during this difficult period,”he said.

On behalf of himself and his wife, Rebecca, the former President extended his deepest sympathies to the Royal Family, Chiefs, elders and the 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 added.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme