The Dagbon Kingdom has entered a significant new chapter in its customary succession process following the installation of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu, the eldest son of the late Ya-Na Abukari II, as Regent of the kingdom.
The installation ceremony, held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Friday, July 31, was conducted by the Dagbon kingmakers in accordance with the kingdom’s long-standing customs and traditions. As Regent, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu assumes responsibility for overseeing the affairs of the kingdom until a new Ya-Na is selected and enskinned.
Under Dagbon customary law, the title of Kampakuya Naa is reserved for the first son of a deceased Ya-Na, who serves as caretaker of the throne during the transition period. His responsibilities include preserving peace and stability, supervising the final customary rites for the late monarch, and working closely with the Dagbon Traditional Council and kingmakers to ensure a smooth succession process through the established rotational chieftaincy system.
The solemn but colourful ceremony drew hundreds of chiefs, opinion leaders, mourners and dignitaries from across Ghana. Among those in attendance were President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers and representatives of various political parties.
From the early hours of the day, thousands of residents and visitors gathered at the Gbewaa Palace and surrounding streets to witness the historic event, marking another milestone in Dagbon’s revered succession tradition.
The installation blended ancient Dagbon customs with Islamic rites, including the shaving of the Regent’s head and special Quran recitations and prayers led by Islamic clerics for the repose of the soul of the late Ya-Na Abukari II. Traditional drumming, cultural performances and the display of colourful regalia by chiefs highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Dagbon Kingdom.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama paid tribute to the late Ya-Na, describing him as a unifying leader whose reign helped restore harmony and drive development across Dagbon.
“He inherited a divided kingdom but dedicated his reign to reconciliation and unity,” the President said, adding that the late monarch was deeply committed to agriculture, education, healthcare, road infrastructure and youth development.
President Mahama urged the people of Dagbon to safeguard the peace achieved over the years and assured the Regent of the government’s support throughout the transition. He expressed confidence that the values of peace, tolerance and unity championed by the late Ya-Na would continue to guide the kingdom.
Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also honoured the late Overlord, describing him as a father figure whose leadership strengthened lasting peace in Dagbon. He called on all stakeholders to ensure the selection of the next Ya-Na strictly follows the established customary succession arrangements.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Paramount Chief of the Zanbalung Traditional Area, Naa Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, the Regent pledged to uphold the peace established during his father’s reign and respect the rotational succession agreement between the Abudu and Andani royal gates.
“My father demonstrated this wisdom when he enskinned more Abudu chiefs than Andani chiefs during his reign, choosing the peace of the kingdom over gate advantage,” the statement said.
The Regent also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing major development initiatives championed by the late Ya-Na, including the construction of the new Gbewaa Palace, implementation of the Dagbon 10-Year Development Plan, the University for Development Studies (UDS) Yendi Campus project, and partnerships aimed at boosting agriculture and energy development.
Ya-Na Abukari II was laid to rest at Katini, the royal mausoleum of Dagbon, last Monday following the kingdom’s customary burial rites. The revered traditional ruler died in South Africa on July 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment. His remains were later flown to Yendi for burial after the necessary traditional rites had been completed.
Following the observance of the third-day and seventh-day Islamic prayers (Adua), the installation of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu officially marks the beginning of the next phase of Dagbon’s succession process, which will culminate in the enskinment of a new Ya-Na.
