Bawumia pays tribute to Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, hails late Dagbon king as 'symbol of peace and unity'

Former Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has paid tribute to the late Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, describing the Dagbon overlord as a unifying leader whose reign brought peace, stability and development to northern Ghana.

In a condolence message issued on Monday, Dr Bawumia said the king's death was a profound loss for both the Dagbon Kingdom and Ghana.

"To Allah we belong completely and to Him shall we return ultimately," he said.

"It is with grief that I send my sincere condolences to the chiefs and people of the Dagbon Kingdom on the passing of Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II."

Dr Bawumia said the late monarch ascended the throne during one of the most difficult chapters in Dagbon's history but led the kingdom with wisdom, patience and a commitment to reconciliation.

He credited the Yaa-Naa with helping to restore peace after years of division, saying his leadership united families, strengthened traditional institutions and fostered development across the kingdom.

"His reign was short but greatly impactful," Dr Bawumia said.

"Through his wise leadership, he united families once broken and healed a society greatly fractured before him. He represented a blend of tradition and modernity in the way he led Dagbon."

The former vice-president also praised the monarch's efforts to lobby for major development projects in the traditional area, describing him as a strong advocate for the welfare of his people.

I benefited from his counsel'

Reflecting on their relationship, Dr Bawumia said he had drawn significant guidance from the late king throughout his time in public office.

"I benefited immensely from his counsel during my time as Vice-President of Ghana and later as the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party," he said.

"It was always an honour to pay him homage at the ancient Gbewaa Palace and to draw from his immeasurable wisdom and guidance."

Dr Bawumia described the monarch's passing as a personal loss and prayed for comfort for the royal family, the chiefs and people of Dagbon, and the nation.

"His passing marks a great loss to me, to the Dagbon Kingdom, and to Ghana as a whole," he said.

"May Allah comfort his immediate family, the chiefs and people of Dagbon, and Ghana as a whole. It is a painful

affliction."

The death of Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, traditional authorities and Ghanaians, many of whom have praised his role in consolidating peace and promoting development in Dagbon.