President John Dramani Mahama and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Saturday joined hundreds of traditional rulers, government officials,
President John Dramani Mahama and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Saturday joined hundreds of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, religious figures and the people of Dagbon in Yendi for the installation of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II as Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom following the passing of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.
The colourful ceremony, held at the historic Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, reaffirmed the central role of the Dagbon chieftaincy institution in preserving the customs, traditions and unity of one of the oldest and most influential traditional kingdoms.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the country, cutting across political affiliations, as both President Mahama and the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, paid their respects to the Dagbon Kingdom during the installation of the Regent.
The installation comes weeks after the death of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, whose reign was widely associated with the consolidation of peace and stability in Dagbon following decades of succession disputes that culminated in the landmark 2019 installation of a substantive Ya-Na under the roadmap brokered by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama congratulated Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II on his installation as Regent and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities in promoting peace, preserving the cultural heritage and supporting inclusive national development.
According to the President, traditional leaders remain indispensable partners in governance and community development, and government will continue to work closely with them in advancing national unity and improving the lives of citizens.
He praised the enduring customs and traditions of Dagbon, describing the installation ceremony as a powerful demonstration of continuity, respect for tradition and the resilience of the kingdom’s chieftaincy institution.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led a high-powered delegation of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the ceremony, also paid tribute to the late Ya-Na while congratulating the newly installed Regent.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Bawumia recalled his long-standing personal relationship with the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, which he said dated back to the period when the late overlord served as Yoo-Naa of Savelugu before ascending to the revered Skin of Yendi.
He described their relationship as one founded on mutual respect, warmth and a shared commitment to the peace, progress and development of Dagbon and the Northern Region.
Dr. Bawumia urged the Regent to uphold the legacy of peace, unity and stability established by the late Ya-Na, noting that preserving harmony within the kingdom remains essential for the continued socio-economic development of the area.
He further commended the chiefs and people of Dagbon for the dignified manner in which they continue to uphold their rich cultural heritage and sacred traditions.
The installation of a Regent is a significant institution within Dagbon’s traditional governance system, ensuring continuity in the administration of the kingdom while customary processes leading to the installation of a new Ya-Na are undertaken.
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