The Gbewaa Palace has officially announced the passing of Yaa Naa Abukari II, describing his death as a profound loss to the Dagbon Kingdom, Ghana, and the African continent.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, the Dagbon Traditional Council confirmed that the King of Dagbon, President of the Dagbon Traditional Council, and President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, after a period of illness.
The Council paid tribute to the late monarch, praising him as a visionary leader, peacemaker, and unifier whose reign helped restore peace, dignity, and stability to the Dagbon Kingdom. It noted that his leadership was marked by reconciliation, inclusive governance, and an open-door policy that welcomed people from all backgrounds, regardless of status, religion, or nationality.
According to the statement, Yaa Naa Abukari II’s reign strengthened peace within Dagbon, deepened the kingdom’s participation in national development, and elevated its international profile.
In accordance with Islamic tradition and Dagbon customary practices, the late King was laid to rest within the sacred precincts of the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi during the early hours of Monday, July 13.
The Palace announced that third-day prayers in honour of the late monarch will be held at the Gbewaa Palace on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. It added that details of the official funeral rites will be announced later in line with Dagbon customs and royal protocol.
The statement also expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for supporting the King’s medical treatment abroad and facilitating the return of his remains to Ghana. It further thanked the Government of Ghana, traditional authorities, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, and the general public for their prayers and support throughout the King’s illness.
The Dagbon Traditional Council called on the people of Dagbon to remain united and uphold the late King’s enduring legacy of peace.
“The greatest honour we can pay to his memory is to live by these words. Let there be no conflict in our grief. Let there be no discord in our mourning,” the statement said.
The Palace also appealed to Ghanaians to observe the mourning period, participate in the third-day prayers, and support efforts to preserve peace and stability during the transition.
Yaa Naa Abukari II is remembered as a distinguished traditional ruler whose leadership demonstrated the enduring relevance of African kingship in promoting peace, development, and human dignity.
