President John Dramani Mahama has described the death of Ya-Na Abukari II, Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, as a national loss, saying Ghana has lost a distinguished traditional ruler whose leadership advanced peace, reconciliation and national unity.

Receiving a delegation from the Dagbon Traditional Council at the Presidency on Monday, July 20, after being officially informed of the Ya-Na's passing, the President extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Ghana to the royal family, chiefs and people of Dagbon.

He praised the late overlord for steering the kingdom through a difficult period and transforming Dagbon into a symbol of unity and hope, while also commending his efforts to strengthen traditional governance through institutional reforms, including the adoption of the Dagbon Constitution.

President Mahama further lauded the late Ya-Na's contribution to national cohesion, noting that his commitment to dialogue and mediation extended beyond Dagbon.

He cited the late king's historic engagement with the Yagbonwura, which helped establish a joint Dagbon-Gonja committee to address boundary disputes, and said he had personally benefited from the monarch's wise counsel on matters of national importance.

The President also assured the Dagbon Traditional Council of the government's support as preparations begin for the final funeral rites.

Addressing the delegation, President Mahama said: "The passing of Ya-Na is not only a moment of profound grief for Dagbon, but it is a national loss. Ghana has lost a statesman amongst traditional rulers, a man whose wisdom, moderation and commitment to peace earned him the respect of people across political, ethnic and religious divides."

He added that the late overlord's reign demonstrated that "true leadership is measured not by power, but by the ability to heal divisions and unite people behind a common purpose," while assuring the Traditional Council that government would work closely with it to ensure the appropriate state courtesies were accorded to the late king.