The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has paid tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, describing him as a peaceful, selfless and development-oriented traditional ruler who prioritised the welfare of his people.
Speaking in Parliament following the passing of the Ya-Na on July 11, 2026, Mr Sulemana said the late overlord lived an exemplary life anchored in faith, humility and service to humanity.
“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From whom we have come and to Him we shall all return. We were not surprised when the good Lord invited him. He has gone home, and we believe that he is resting in the bosom of his Lord,” he said.
The Bole-Bamboi MP praised the Ya-Na’s commitment to peace, recalling what he described as a historic meeting between the Dagbon Overlord and the Yagbonwura earlier this year.
“Indeed, within one week, he responded and created that opportunity for the two overlords to meet. It had never happened. This is a legacy that the Kingdom of Dagbon and the Kingdom of Gonja must continue to uphold,” he stated.
Mr Sulemana also commended the late king’s passion for development, saying their discussions consistently focused on improving the lives of his people through job creation and infrastructure development.
“There was a king who was not talking about his selfish interests, but he was talking about the welfare of his people,” he said, while highlighting the ongoing Gbewaa Palace project as one of the Ya-Na’s enduring legacies.
He further described the late overlord as a forgiving leader who promoted humility, reconciliation and unity.
“He was somebody who could forgive. Even when you went there with an unpleasant face, he would correct you and say, ‘If you are seeking something, you always have to wear a shining face,'” Mr Sulemana added.
He called on Ghanaians to honour the memory of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II by preserving the peace he championed and supporting the continuation of the development projects he initiated.
Parliament subsequently observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Dagbon Overlord.
