President John Dramani Mahama has commended the pivotal role of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, in sustaining the peace of Dagbon.

The President gave the commendation when the Yaa Naa and his entourage called on him at the Presidency.

Yaa Naa Abukari’s visit to the Presidency comes on the heels of a similar visit last week by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu and his entourage of paramount chiefs.

President Mahama, in his remarks during the Yaa Naa’s visit, said, “I’ve had a very close relationship with Nda Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II from when he was Yoo Naa. We worked together to resolve the Dagbon crisis, and from when I met him, I found him a very reasonable, level-headed, peace-loving traditional ruler.”

“And so, he played a critical role in the Otumfuo Committee resolution of the Dagbon crisis. He was a major stakeholder, and I’m happy that at the end of the resolution of the crisis, he mounted the traditional skin of Dagbon.”

The President said that since Yaa Naa Abukari mounted the skin, Dagbon had been at peace.

“As I said, he’s a peace-loving person. And now that we have peace in Dagbon, it is time for us to have progress and development in Dagbon.”

“This is a moment that is steeped in historical symbolism, national relevance, and cultural dignity. When Dagbon calls, Ghana listens,” he said.

“And when Yaa Naa visits, the state must rise to receive him with the full respect and honour that is due to one of Africa’s greatest kingdoms.”

President Mahama, quoting an adage in Dagbani, said, “When the elders walk in unity, the community prospers.”

He said the Yaa Naa’s presence at the seat of government was a reaffirmation of the bond between Ghana’s democratic institutions and their cherished traditional authorities.

He noted that this bond must never be broken, for in it lies the continuity of their civilisation, peace, and development.

“Your enskinment in 2019 marked the dawn of a new era for Dagbon and the entire nation. After years of conflict, Dagbon rose again, not with vengeance, but with tolerance and with vision,” the President said.

Adding that Yaa Naa Abukari led this new era with humility, wisdom, and a sense of unity.

“You’ve demonstrated that traditional authority is not merely ceremonial. It is consequential, and it shapes the soul of our nation.”

The President said the development of Dagbon and the northern region remains a central priority of his government.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the social and economic transformation of northern Ghana, rooted in partnership with traditional authorities and anchored in direct, practical investment.

“In the coming months, we will work together on commemorating the fifth anniversary of your enskinment, an occasion of national importance, and I pledge the full support of my office to ensure that this celebration reflects the glory and resilience of your reign,” he said.

“Let us remain united, advance with courage, and uphold the timeless principles that when tradition and modernity coexist, the nation thrives. As we say in Dagbon, the king’s work creates the path of peace.”

On his part, the Overlord said he was confident that President Mahama’s leadership would usher in an era of unprecedented growth, peace, and prosperity for the great nation.

He said as a traditional leader, this was what they always wished for their people and communities: to live in peace with their neighbours and grow in prosperity.

“Your leadership has already brought a breath of fresh air to our nation and has renewed hope and optimism in the good people of Ghana,” the Overlord of Dagbon said.

He noted that the swift action taken to revitalise the nation’s economy and improve the lives of Ghanaians was truly commendable.

The Ya-Na entreated President Mahama to continue this path of visionary leadership that prioritises people-centred policies to ensure that the needs and welfare of Ghanaians remain at the forefront of decision-making.