The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, on Friday, 24 July, 2026, led members of the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) of the Northern Region to Yendi to participate in the Seventh-Day Funeral Rite of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II.
The solemn ceremony, held at the historic Gbewaa Palace, attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, religious leaders, security personnel, and thousands of mourners from across Ghana who converged to pay their final respects to the revered monarch, whose reign was widely celebrated for fostering peace, unity, reconciliation, and development within the Dagbon Kingdom. The seventh-day funeral observance formed an important part of the traditional and Islamic mourning rites following the passing of the late Yaa-Naa.
Leading the government delegation, Hon. Ali Adolf John conveyed the heartfelt condolences of President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana to the Regent, the Dagbon Traditional Council, the royal family, chiefs, elders, and the entire people of Dagbon. He noted that the late Yaa-Naa’s distinguished leadership and unwavering commitment to peace significantly strengthened the unity and stability of the kingdom while contributing immensely to the socio-economic progress of the Northern Region and Ghana as a whole.
The Regional Minister stated that the government deeply appreciates the invaluable role of traditional authorities in promoting peaceful coexistence, preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, and complementing national development efforts. He assured the people of Dagbon of government’s continued commitment to working closely with traditional institutions to advance sustainable development and improve the welfare of citizens.
The presence of REGSEC members underscored government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the funeral activities, while the participation of the MMDCEs demonstrated the collective solidarity of the Northern Region with the people of Dagbon during this period of mourning.
Throughout the ceremony, mourners offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the late King’s soul and reflected on his enduring legacy of reconciliation, wisdom, humility, and selfless service. Traditional rites and cultural performances were conducted in accordance with the customs of the Dagbon Kingdom, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and dignity associated with the Yendi Skin.
The government delegation joined the Dagbon Traditional Council and the people of Dagbon in praying for Allah’s mercy upon the late Overlord and expressed hope that his exemplary legacy of peace, unity, and development would continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Addressing mourners during the ceremony, the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, cautioned against the growing tendency of individuals to use social media platforms to interfere in traditional governance and chieftaincy affairs. He stressed that matters relating to customs, traditions, and succession should be handled through the appropriate traditional institutions and not litigated or debated on social media.
He urged the public, particularly the youth, to exercise restraint and refrain from publishing inflammatory, misleading, or unverified content capable of undermining the authority of traditional leaders or disrupting the peace and unity that have been painstakingly built within the Dagbon Kingdom. Hon. Ali Adolf John emphasized that while social media remains an important tool for communication, it must be used responsibly and should never become a platform for sowing division, disrespecting traditional authority, or inciting conflict.
The Regional Minister further appealed to all stakeholders to uphold the dignity of the Dagbon Kingdom by respecting its customs and established structures, noting that preserving the sanctity of traditional governance is essential for sustaining peace, social cohesion, and development in the Northern Region.
The Seventh-Day Funeral Rite marked another significant milestone in the ongoing funeral observances for the late Ndan Yaa-Naa Abukari II, whose passing has been widely mourned across Ghana as a great loss to the nation, the institution of chieftaincy, and the people of Dagbon.