The Parliament of Ghana has expressed profound sorrow following the passing of Yaa-Naa Mahama Abukari II, the 41st Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom.

According to an official statement issued today, 14th July 2026, by David Sebastian Damoah, the Director of Media Relations for the Parliamentary Service, the Overlord, who also served as the President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

On behalf of the people of Ghana, Parliament extended its deepest condolences to the Gbewaa Palace, the Dagbon Traditional Council, the royal family, and the people of Dagbon during this period of national loss.

A Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation

Yaa-Naa Abukari II ascended the Yendi skin on January 18, 2019. His enskinment followed a historic peace process that brought an end to years of division between the Abudu and Andani royal gates over the Dagbon traditional leadership.

Parliament noted that his reign successfully ended one of Ghana's most protracted and painful chieftaincy disputes, ushering in a period widely regarded as one of reconciliation, healing, and the restoration of traditional authority.

Describing the late King as a "true statesman," the statement highlighted his commitment to peace and how his leadership demonstrated the enduring value of dialogue and unity. Parliament emphasized that his efforts strengthened not only the Dagbon Kingdom but also Ghana’s broader chieftaincy institutions and national cohesion.

A Call for Unity Amid Grief

During this period of mourning, Parliament has joined the Gbewaa Palace in urging the people of Dagbon to remain united and to honor the late King's legacy of peace.

Echoing the appeal made by the Palace, the statement noted: "let there be no conflict in our grief, let there be no discord in our mourning."

The statement concluded with a prayer for fortitude for the family of the late Yaa-Naa, the chiefs, and the people of Dagbon as they bear the loss.