The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has paid tribute to the late Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, describing him as a transformative traditional leader whose commitment to peace and reconciliation restored unity to Dagbon after years of conflict.

The church, in a statement signed by its General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, expressed its deepest condolences to the people of Dagbon following the passing of the overlord.

The Assemblies of God noted that the loss of the Yaa Naa holds special significance for the church because of its long-standing historical connection with Yendi, where the Assemblies of God Church in Ghana was established in 1931.

“It ignites the highest sense of pride that Assemblies of God, Ghana, shares a unique historical bond and legendary affinity with the Dagbon traditional capital, Yendi, where the church in Ghana was born in 1931,” the statement said.

The church said the King’s death had brought “incalculable pain” to its leadership and members but took solace in what it described as his enduring legacy of peace.

According to the statement, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II will be remembered for restoring unity and strengthening traditional authority in Dagbon after years of what it called a seemingly intractable conflict.

Although his reign lasted only seven years, the church said its significance should be measured by the impact he made rather than its duration.

“It is unfortunate that Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari’s reign lasted only seven years. We wish to state, however, that the quality of his reign should not be measured by its relatively short duration but by its critical contribution to the process of reconciliation and healing in the Dagbon traditional area,” the statement added.

Citing Romans 13:7, the Assemblies of God urged Ghanaians, particularly the people of Dagbon, to honour the late King by remaining committed to peace and pursuing the development of the traditional area.

The church concluded its tribute with a prayer for the late monarch, saying, “Yaa Naa, Rest in Peace.”