Bole-Bamboi MP Hails Late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II as a Peaceful, Development-Oriented and Forgiving King Who Put His People First

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has paid tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, describing him as a peaceful, development-oriented and pious leader.

Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Sulemana said the late Ya-Na, who passed on *11th July 2026*, “was not just a king but he was a pious Muslim” and lived “a life worth emulating.”

“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. From whom we have come and to him we shall all return,” the Deputy Minister stated. “We were not surprised when the good Lord invited him. He’s gone home and we believe that he’s resting in the bosom of his Lord.”

Hon. Sulemana said the late Ya-Na will be remembered for his peaceful nature, which extended beyond Dagbon. He cited a meeting in *June this year* between the Ya-Na and the Overlord of the Gonja Traditional Council as a historic first.

“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 should continue,” he said.

The Bole-Bamboi MP described the late king as “development oriented,” noting that during engagements with him, the discussions were “all about how to develop his kingdom, how to bring about job creation.”

“There was a king who was not talking about his selfish interest but he was talking about the welfare of his people,” Hon. Sulemana added. He also pointed to the Gbewaa Palace project started by the Ya-Na, saying “go and see the palace that he’s building and you’ll marvel.”

Hon. Sulemana further praised the Ya-Na’s forgiving nature. “He was somebody that could forgive. Even when you went there with an unpleasant face, he would correct you and say ‘if you are seeking for something you always have to wear a shining face.’”

He called on all Ghanaians to join in mourning the late king and to continue the projects he started and the peace he championed so “he can rest very well.”

Parliament observed a moment of silence in honour of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.