The Dagbon Kingdom officially enskinned Kampakuya Naa Yakubu, the eldest son of the late Ya-Na Abukari II, as Regent on Friday, July 31. This significant event marks a new phase in the kingdom's customary succession process. The Regent will now administer the affairs of the kingdom while awaiting the selection and enskinment of a new Overlord.
Kingmakers at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi installed the Regent. He assumes the traditional responsibility of safeguarding the throne during this transition period. This action aligns with Dagbon customs and traditions. The Kampakuya Naa title is specifically reserved for the first son of a deceased Ya-Na, who acts as caretaker until the succession process concludes.
This development is crucial for the stability of the Dagbon Kingdom, a significant traditional area in Ghana. The kingdom has a history of chieftaincy disputes, making a smooth succession vital for regional peace. The Regent's role involves working closely with kingmakers and the Dagbon Traditional Council. He will supervise the final funeral arrangements for the late monarch. He will also preserve peace and stability, ensuring smooth administration until a successor is chosen through the established rotational chieftaincy system.
President John Dramani Mahama addressed the gathering, paying tribute to the late Ya-Na Abukari II. He described the late Ya-Na as a statesman who restored harmony and advanced development. President Mahama urged the people of Dagbon to maintain the peace built over the years. He assured the newly installed Regent of government support during this transition. Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also honored the late Ya-Na's memory. He appealed to all stakeholders to ensure the selection of the next Ya-Na strictly follows established customary arrangements.
The Regent, in a speech delivered by the Paramount Chief of the Zanbalung Traditional Area, Naa Dr. Jacob Yakubu Mahama, pledged to safeguard the peace achieved under his father's reign. He committed to faithfully upholding the rotational succession agreement between the Abudu and Andani royal gates. He assured the gathering that the established succession arrangement would be respected when the time comes to install a new Ya-Na. This commitment is vital for maintaining peace and preventing past conflicts.
The Regent also pledged to continue key development initiatives championed by the late Overlord. These include the construction of the Gbewaa Palace and the implementation of the Dagbon 10-Year Development Plan. Other initiatives are the advancement of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Yendi Campus project and partnerships in agriculture and energy development. These projects are important for the economic and social progress of the Dagbon region.
The late Ya-Na Abukari II was laid to rest at Katini, the royal mausoleum of Dagbon, last Monday. He died in South Africa on July 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment. His remains were flown to Yendi for burial after traditional rites. The third-day and seventh-day Islamic prayers have since been observed. This paved the way for the customary installation of the Kampakuya Naa and the next phase of Dagbon's succession process. The process will culminate in the enskinment of a new Ya-Na, ensuring continuity and stability for the kingdom.