President John Dramani Mahama has described the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari II, as not just a moment of profound grief for the people of Dagbon, but rather, a national loss.

He also praised the late Ya Na as a statesman whose leadership promoted peace, reconciliation and unity, stating that the late traditional leader’s reign demonstrated that true leadership was measured not by power, but by the ability to heal divisions, unite people behind a common purpose.

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

“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 said while addressing a delegation from the Northern Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House yesterday.

The delegation, led by the Paramount Chief of the Nanton Traditional Area, Naa-Yab Nanton Naa Muhammadu Baba Bawa, was at the Presidency to officially notify him, and through him the Republic of Ghana, of the passing of the traditional ruler.

Peace builder

President Mahama said beyond Dagbon, Ya Na contributed to national cohesion through mediation, dialogue and efforts to strengthen relations among traditional authorities.

He praised the late King for transforming a kingdom once divided by conflict into a symbol of reconciliation and unity, citing his role in securing the unanimous adoption of the Dagbon Constitution and his efforts to build peace beyond Dagbon, including his historic visit to the Yagbonwura of the Gonja Kingdom.

Relationship

The President further described the death as a personal loss, explaining that his relationship with the late King went beyond the offices they occupied, recalling that he had known the monarch for many years, even before his enskinment.

He explained that his bond with the King deepened during his first term in office, when he worked with the Otumfuo mediation team to help resolve the long-running Dagbon crisis, describing the relationship that grew from that period as one resembling father and son.

President Mahama said he personally benefited from the late Ya-Na’s counsel on national issues, describing his advice as “thoughtful, balanced and guided by the welfare of his people and the unity of our country.”

While extending condolences on behalf of the government and people of Ghana to the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Royal Family, and chiefs and people of Dagbon, President Mahama also assured the Dagbon Traditional Council of government’s support during the mourning period.