Dagbon Kingdom Overlord Ya-Na Abukari II Dies in South Africa

The Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom and President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, Ya-Na Abukari II, died in South Africa on July 13, 2026, following a short illness and medical treatment. Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, officially announced the passing at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi through the sounding of traditional talking drums. The 87-year-old monarch was buried at dawn at the Katini royal mausoleum.

Enskinned in January 2019, the late king is credited with ending a 17-year chieftaincy dispute between the Abudu and Andani gates, amending the Dagbon Constitution, and modernizing the Gbewaa Palace. In accordance with tradition, his eldest son, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari, has been enskinned as Regent until a new Ya-Na is selected. Adua funeral rites are scheduled for July 16.

The Government of Ghana and President John Dramani Mahama expressed profound sadness, praising the monarch for strengthening the partnership between traditional authorities and the state to foster national unity. Former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia also issued a tribute, describing the king as a blend of tradition and modernity who used ancestral wisdom to heal a fractured society. Bawumia noted that he had personally sought the leader's counsel during his time as Vice President and as a presidential candidate.