The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed his condolences to the chiefs and people of the Dagbon Kingdom following the death of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, Dr Bawumia described the passing of the revered overlord as a great loss to Dagbon and Ghana, extending his sympathies to the royal family and all those mourning the late king.
“I received with deep grief the sad news of the passing of Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II. On behalf of my family and the New Patriotic Party, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the chiefs and people of Dagbon,” he said.
Dr Bawumia praised the late Ya-Na for providing steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the history of the Dagbon Kingdom.
“Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II emerged as the King of Dagbon during one of the most challenging periods in Dagbon history, and with ancestral wisdom and patience, he guided the ancient Kingdom towards peace, unity and prosperity,” he stated.
According to the former Vice President, although the Ya-Na’s reign was relatively short, it had a profound impact on the kingdom through his commitment to reconciliation, peace and development.
He noted that the late monarch “united families once broken and healed a society greatly fractured before him,” while consistently advocating for major development projects in Dagbon.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the Ya-Na, Dr Bawumia said he was privileged to benefit from the traditional ruler’s wisdom and guidance during his time as Vice President and later as the NPP’s presidential candidate.
“It was always an honour to pay him homage at the ancient Gbewaa Palace and to draw from his immeasurable wisdom and guidance,” he said.
He described the Ya-Na’s passing as “a great loss to me, to the Dagbon Kingdom, and to Ghana as a whole.”
Dr Bawumia prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family, the chiefs and people of Dagbon, and the nation as they mourn the revered traditional ruler.
“May Allah comfort his immediate family, the chiefs and people of Dagbon, and Ghana as a whole. It is a painful affliction,” he added.
Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II passes on
