President Mahama hosts Ya-Na at Jubilee House
President John Mahama yesterday hosted the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, and his delegation at the Jubilee House in a historic courtesy visit steeped in cultural significance and national unity.
The visit, described by the President as "no ordinary occasion," underscored the enduring bond between the country’s democratic institutions and traditional leadership.
President Mahama emphasised that when "Dagbon calls, Ghana listens," affirming the nation’s respect for one of Africa’s greatest kingdoms.
The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and the Special Aide to the President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, were among the high-ranking officials who accompanied the President to receive the delegation from the Dagbon Kingdom in the Northern Region.
Others are the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, the Legal Advisor to the President, Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, and Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah.
The Ya-Na’s delegation included chiefs from Dagbon as well as other dignitaries such as Members of Parliament (MP) from Dagbon Kindgom, including the Minister of Education, Harruna Iddrisu, and the former MP for Sagnarigu, A. B. A. Fuseini.
The Jubilee House radiated regal warmth as President Mahama clasped hands with Ya-Na Abukari II, whose golden regalia glittered under the chandeliers.
It was a happy pageantry at the seat of the President with the chiefs in their vibrant traditional fugu regalia, as occasional laughters punctuate the solemn occasion.
Peace and progress
President Mahama praised the Ya-Na for his instrumental role in resolving the Dagbon conflict and fostering peace since his enskinment in 2019.
"Under your reign, Dagbon has risen with tolerance and vision," he said, lauding the Overlord’s humility and wisdom in uniting the region.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to accelerate development in the northern part of the country, outlining key interventions from the 2025 Budget aimed at transforming the region into an agro-industrial hub.
Notable among them was the Northern Savannah Economic Transformation Programme, which would develop over 10,000 hectares of irrigated land for rice, maize and soya bean production, creating jobs for 8,000 young farmers, he said.
Infrastructure
Highlighting infrastructural projects, President Mahama announced the rehabilitation of the Yendi Municipal Hospital, construction of new community health and planning services (CHPS) compounds and deployment of community nurses across rural Dagbon.
President Mahama said road projects, including upgrades to the Tamale-Yendi corridor and segments of the Eastern Corridor Road, had also been prioritised to enhance connectivity.
The President added that water and sanitation initiatives under the Community Infrastructure Development Fund would benefit 50 underserved communities, with small-town water systems planned for Bimbila.
The European Union-funded Yendi and Tamale water expansion projects, including Damango, would bring an end to water shortages in the region, he said.
Traditional governance
President Mahama announced the Traditional Leadership Support Fund, designed to preserve royal archives, rehabilitate palaces and provide logistical support to traditional councils.
"Tradition is foundational to development," he stated, pledging continued partnership with chiefs to uphold Ghana’s cultural heritage.
Commending Ya-Na’s peacebuilding efforts beyond Dagbon, President Mahama cited his mediation in disputes involving Mamprugu and Gonja.
"Your legacy will stand as a beacon of unity for Ghana," he said, announcing plans to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Overlord’s enskinment later this year.
Good leadership
Ya-Na Abukari, speaking through the Paramount Chief of Zangbalinga, Naa Bapir Zangbaling-Naa, known in private as Dr Jacob Yakubu Mahama, hailed President Mahama’s early achievements.
He extended warm congratulations to President Mahama on his assumption of office, expressing confidence that his leadership would usher in "an era of unprecedented growth, peace and prosperity for Ghana."
The Overlord of Dagbon lauded the government’s early achievements, including the drastic reduction of the dollar exchange rate from GH¢17 to GH¢11 within six months, calling it a testament to the administration’s "prudent economic management."
He also commended key initiatives such as the leaner cabinet structure, the Code of Conduct for Appointees and the National Economic and Education Dialogues, which he said reflected the President’s commitment to "inclusive decision-making and accountability."
The Ya-Na emphasised the role of traditional leaders in harnessing Ghana’s cultural heritage and youth potential for national development, and praised President Mahama’s alignment with the Sankofa principle, "reclaiming ancestral wisdom while innovating for progress."
