The family and the Dagbon Traditional Council have announced a three-day Adua for the late King of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari[A1] II, in line with Islamic traditions.
In Islam, Adua refers to collective religious gatherings and recitations held to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and paradise for the deceased.
The event forms part of the Islamic prayers before the traditional rites continue with the rest of the funeral activities, as custom demands.
Scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, the three-day Adua will be held at the forecourt of the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, the traditional capital of Dagbon.
The announcement followed the burial of the late Overlord at Katini, the royal mausoleum of Dagbon kings.
During the Adua, Islamic clerics will offer their final prayers and blessings for the soul of the late Overlord, Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari II.
In a statement, the Council described the late King as a symbol of peace and unity, noting that his reign was marked by efforts to promote harmony and development within Dagbon and the country at large.
It also urged the people of Dagbon to honour his memory by maintaining peace and avoiding conflict throughout the mourning period.
Additionally, the Council appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians and friends of Dagbon to join the kingdom in observing a period of reflection and prayer for the late King.
It further indicated that it would liaise with the family on arrangements for the final funeral rites of the Overlord in accordance with the customs and traditions of Dagbon.
In a related development, the Yendi Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), in consultation with the Northern Regional Directorate, has temporarily closed all public schools in Yendi.
A statement issued by the Directorate said the decision was in line with the customs and traditions of Dagbon to allow for the performance of traditional rites following the passing of Ya-Na Abukari II.
The closure took effect on Monday, July 13, and will remain in force until Thursday, July 16, 2026. Academic activities are expected to resume on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The Yendi Municipal Directorate of the GES also extended its heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon and the entire Northern Region, praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Overlord.
Meanwhile, a tribute made on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama, said the government had received with profound sadness the news of the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II.
The President extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and the entire nation during this period of immense grief.
President Mahama said the late Yaa Naa would be remembered as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign brought healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace to Dagbon following years of conflict. His unwavering commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for development and strengthened the enduring partnership between the traditional authorities and the Government in advancing progress across Dagbon and Ghana.
“The Government pays tribute to the life and legacy of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II and honours his invaluable service to the nation. May his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace continue to inspire future generations,” President Mahama stated.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), political leaders, traditional authorities and other prominent personalities have paid glowing tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, describing him as a symbol of peace, unity and reconciliation.
Former President Akufo-Addo said the official announcement by the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi of the passing of the revered King was a great loss to Dagbon and the nation.
He described the late Yaa Naa as a great figure of unity, strength and dignity whose reign brought renewed pride and cultural revival to Dagbon.
Mr Akufo-Addo recalled the important role the late Yaa Naa played in resolving the long-standing Dagbon crisis when he was the Yaa Naa of Savelugu.
He said the late King accepted the special roadmap that eventually restored peace and led to his enskinment as Yaa Naa during his presidency.
The former President also recalled being honoured with the traditional title of Naa Abudani in 2020 in recognition of his contribution to the reconciliation process.
He appealed to chiefs, kingmakers and elders to preserve the peace by ensuring a smooth transition in line with the customs and traditions of Dagbon.
He also welcomed the successful installation of a regent.
The former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said the passing of the Yaa Naa was a painful loss to Dagbon and Ghana.
According to him, the late King assumed the skin during one of the most difficult periods in Dagbon’s history and guided the kingdom with wisdom, patience and courage.
He said although the reign of the Yaa Naa was short, it was highly impactful because he united divided families, promoted development and strengthened peace.
Dr Bawumia added that he personally benefited from the King’s wise counsel during his tenure as Vice President and later as the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate.
The Northern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Yaa Naa.
The association described his passing as a huge loss to his family, Dagbon and the entire country.
It said the late King consistently supported journalists in the Northern Region through his open-door policy and encouragement of responsible journalism.
The GJA urged journalists covering the funeral rites to report with accuracy, sensitivity and professionalism while respecting the customs and traditions of Dagbon.
It stressed that the media had an important responsibility to promote peace, unity and social cohesion throughout the mourning period.
Several other personalities also paid tribute to the late monarch.
Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, described the Yaa Naa as a humble and wise leader whose dedication to peace and development would remain a lasting inspiration.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, described the late King as “a great tree” whose leadership brought dignity and lasting peace to Dagbon.
Musician Stonebwoy said he would always remember the love shown to him by the people of Dagbon and praised the Yaa Naa for restoring unity and hope to the kingdom.
The European Union also extended condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon and Ghanaians, saying the King’s legacy of peace, unity and reconciliation would endure.
Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor and former Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh described the Yaa Naa as a father figure whose wisdom and support greatly influenced national development initiatives in northern Ghana.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah also mourned the late King, describing him as a fountain of wisdom whose commitment to peace and national progress would never be forgotten.
By Yahaya Nuhu Nadaa & Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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