The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has paid tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, describing him as a peaceful, development-oriented and forgiving traditional ruler who consistently prioritised the welfare of his people.

Speaking in Parliament following the passing of the Ya-Na on July 11, 2026, Mr Sulemana said the late overlord lived an exemplary life rooted in faith and service.

"Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. From whom we have come and to him we shall all return. 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," he said.

The Bole-Bamboi MP praised the Ya-Na's commitment to peace, recalling what he described as a historic meeting between the Dagbon Overlord and the Yagbonwura earlier this year.

"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 stated.

Mr Sulemana also commended the late king's passion for development, saying their discussions always centred on improving the lives of his people through job creation and infrastructure.

"There was a king who was not talking about his selfish interest, but he was talking about the welfare of his people," he said, while also highlighting the ongoing Gbewaa Palace project as one of the Ya-Na's enduring legacies.

He further described the late overlord as a forgiving leader who encouraged humility and reconciliation.

"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 something, you always have to wear a shining face,'" Mr Sulemana added.

He called on Ghanaians to honour the memory of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II by preserving the peace he championed and supporting the continuation of the development projects he initiated. Parliament subsequently observed a minute's silence in honour of the late Dagbon Overlord.