Yaa Naa Mahama Ankara II, overlord of Dagnon, passes away

The Dagbon Kingdom has been plunged into a state of profound shock and mourning following the announcement of the passing of its Overlord, His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II.

The death of the revered traditional ruler, who was also the 41th Yaa Naa, was announced on Monday morning, July 13, 2026, by the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II. The announcement followed the sounding of the traditional talking drum and the performance of the requisite customary rites at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, in accordance with Dagbon custom.

A Peacemaker’s Final Journey

Sources close to the palace indicate that the late Yaa Naa passed away in South Africa, where he had travelled for medical treatment after a short illness. He was 87 years old at the time of his passing.

A Legacy of Unity and Reconciliation

Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II was enskinned on January 18, 2019, following the successful implementation of the Dagbon Peace Roadmap. His ascension to the Gbewaa skin marked the culmination of a historic peace process that brought an end to a bitter 16-year chieftaincy conflict between the Abudu and Andani royal gates.

For over a decade and a half, the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute had been one of the most destabilising traditional conflicts in Ghana’s post-independence history, claiming lives and dividing families. The late Overlord played a central role in the peace process, demonstrating remarkable courage and a willingness to engage in dialogue and reconciliation. His efforts helped pave the way for a landmark agreement that restored calm to the kingdom and allowed long-delayed funeral rites and succession ceremonies to proceed.

Beyond the peace process, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II was widely respected as a unifying figure who commanded deep loyalty among his subjects and earned the admiration of national leaders and dignitaries. He also served as President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs. During his reign, he championed efforts to review the Dagbon Constitution to reflect contemporary governance needs while preserving the kingdom’s rich customs and traditions. He also supervised the redevelopment of the historic Gbewaa Palace into a modern royal complex, a landmark project nearing completion, and supported numerous development initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of communities across the kingdom.

Funeral Preparations Underway

Preparations are currently underway at the Gbewaa Palace for the burial of the late monarch in accordance with Dagbon customs. In line with tradition, his eldest son has been enskinned as Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, who will serve as Regent and oversee the affairs of the kingdom until a new Yaa Naa is selected and enskinned. Traditional authorities are expected to outline the next steps in the succession process after the funeral rites.

The news of his passing has been met with grief across Ghana, particularly in Tamale and the wider Dagbon area, where he was not only a ruler but a father figure to countless communities. His reign will be remembered for restoring stability after years of conflict and laying the foundation for peace, institutional reforms, and development within one of Ghana’s oldest traditional kingdoms.