Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed grief over the passing of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, describing the late traditional leader as a wise leader who united a fractured society and guided Dagbon towards peace, unity, and prosperity.

In a statement issued on July 13, Dr Bawumia said the Ya-Na emerged as King of Dagbon during one of the most challenging periods in the Kingdom's history and, with ancestral wisdom and patience, healed a society greatly fractured before him.

"His reign was short but greatly impactful. Through his wise leadership, he united families once broken and healed a society greatly fractured before him. He represented a blend of tradition and modernity perfectly in the way he led Dagbon. He constantly advocated for and lobbied for major developmental projects in Dagbon," the statement said.

The former Vice President noted that he benefited immensely from the Ya-Na's counsel during his tenure as Vice President of Ghana and later as the NPP's presidential candidate.

"It was always an honour to pay him homage at the ancient Gbewaa Palace and to draw from his immeasurable wisdom and guidance. His passing marks a great loss to me, to the Dagbon Kingdom, and to Ghana as a whole," the statement added.

He sent his sincere condolences to the Chiefs and people of the Dagbon Kingdom and prayed that Allah comforts the immediate family and the entire nation.

"To Allah we belong completely and to Him shall we return ultimately".

Dagbon: Ya-Na Abukari II passes on