Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the traditional king (Overlord) of Dagbon in northern Ghana, has died.

Enskinned in January 2019, he played a central role in ending a long-running 16-year chieftaincy dispute between two royal factions that had divided the kingdom and disrupted traditional activities for years.

Born Bukali in Mion, the late king began his leadership journey as chief of Kpunkpono before ascending to the influential Savelugu skin.

His selection as Yaa Naa marked a historic moment of reconciliation in Dagbon, one of Ghana’s most important traditional kingdoms.

His passing, confirmed by multiple credible sources on Monday, July 13, is expected to trigger widespread mourning across the region, with many reflecting on his contributions to peace and the restoration of stability in northern Ghana.

Yaa Naa’s Legacy

Ascending to the throne as the 41st Overlord (or 42nd by some regional counts) in January 2019, his brief but transformative reign brought stability back to one of Ghana’s oldest and most influential traditional kingdoms.  

The core pillars of his legacy include:

1. The Restoration of Peace and Reconciliation
   The defining achievement of his reign was ending the deeply polarizing, 17-year-long Dagbon chieftaincy dispute.  

Following the tragic 2002 assassination of his predecessor, Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II, the kingdom was fractured into two rival royal gates: the Abudus and the Andanis.  

Working alongside the government-backed Committee of Eminent Chiefs, his enskinment in 2019 healed these generational wounds. He successfully united both factions, restoring the moral and spiritual authority of the skins of Yendi and bringing long-awaited political stability to Northern Ghana.  

2. Institutional and Constitutional Reforms
   Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II recognized that lasting peace required strong legal frameworks.

In 2020, he initiated a comprehensive review of the Dagbon Constitution to clarify customary successions and prevent future royal disputes.  

Under his guidance, the revised constitution was formally adopted by the Dagbon Traditional Council in 2022, providing a clear roadmap for future generations.

3. Socio-Economic and Cultural Development
   He actively worked to move Dagbon away from conflict and toward regional prosperity.  

Dagbon Development Fund (DDF): Launched in 2021, this fund was designed to channel resources directly into economic development, healthcare, and educational infrastructure across the kingdom.  

Gbewaa Palace Redevelopment: In March 2023, he initiated the physical reconstruction and modernization of the historic Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, a symbolic rebuilding of the kingdom’s beating heart.  

International Partnerships: He championed human capital growth by facilitating institutional collaborations, such as the 2024 educational partnership between Tamale Technical University (TaTU) and Bursa Technical University in Turkey.  

4. Humanitarian and National Leadership
   As the President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, he extended his influence far beyond his immediate kingdom to foster national unity.  

He was highly regarded for his philanthropy, notably sending substantial agricultural relief (including hundreds of bags of maize, rice, and yams) to help communities displaced by the devastating 2023 Volta Region floods and parts of the Savannah Region.  

Ultimately, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II went from a quiet, respected regional chief of Savelugu to the “Lion of Gbewaa” who chose healing over division. He leaves behind a peaceful, structured, and forward-looking Dagbon Kingdom.

The United Nations has issued a sharp warning against using migrants as scapegoats for South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges, as the government confirmed that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated in just five weeks.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced on Sunday that 53,499 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and voluntary repatriation since the launch of a nationwide “migration management” campaign in mid-June.

The crackdown, one of South Africa’s largest in years that many across the world are condemning as cruel and inhumane, follows weeks of anti-immigration protests marked by violence, intimidation, and looting.

Malawians Bear the Brunt

According to official figures, Malawian citizens accounted for over 80 percent of those processed, followed by nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina, Limpopo Province, has processed nearly 2,500 people, most of them Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals. Several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, have flown their citizens home in recent weeks.

UN: Migrants Are Not the Problem

The UN has cautioned against conflating migration with South Africa’s deep-rooted challenges of unemployment, inequality, and service delivery failures. Anti-migrant activists have accused undocumented foreigners of driving crime and taking jobs, but the UN and civil society groups argue that foreign workers—who make up only about 5 percent of the population—are being unfairly scapegoated.

“Now, in what universe can you scapegoat 4% to 5% of the population for all our problems?” economist Duma Gqubule said recently, dismissing the anti-migrant stance as “mass hallucination”.

Organizations defending migrants’ rights emphasize that foreign workers have become convenient targets in a country where the unemployment rate exceeds 30 percent and disproportionately affects Black South Africans.

Vigilante Threats and a “Deadline” That Passed

Anti-migrant activists had set an unofficial 30 June deadline for all undocumented migrants to leave the country, prompting thousands to flee in fear. Protesters—including leaders from groups such as March and March—have threatened to stage weekly demonstrations until the government meets their demands. There are mounting fears that the protests could turn violent again.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns about immigration but has condemned attacks against migrants and warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands. Minister Kubayi also cautioned that protesters must not conduct unauthorised searches of homes and businesses suspected of sheltering undocumented migrants.

Government Defends Enforcement, Signals Scaling Down

Kubayi said the deportation process has helped authorities apprehend individuals wanted for criminal activity, and that the government remains committed to “observing human rights and dignity of all people in our country, irrespective of their citizenship”. She added that authorities will continue enforcing immigration laws.

However, the government is reportedly considering scaling back the campaign as the number of repatriations increases.

“We envisage a phased scaling down of the process which will not negatively impact or compromise the deportation and repatriation processes we are undertaking,” a government source told Business Day.

Diplomatic Fallout

The crackdown has strained regional relations.

Ghana postponed a state visit by President Ramaphosa following xenophobic rallies that resulted in hundreds of Ghanaians being repatriated.

Other African nations have similarly expressed concern, with some leaders accusing South Africa of failing to protect foreign nationals.

Check out the top 10 news headlines dominating Ghanaian newspapers published on Monday, July 13, 2026.

1. Miracles Aboagye Arrested by EOCO

Appears in: The Statesman, The New Publisher, The Ghanaian Publisher, The Custodian, Daily Gist, DailyGuide
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a prominent NPP communications strategist, was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) just hours after declaring his intention to contest for the position of NPP National Communications Director. The NPP has demanded his immediate release, while the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for unity among party ranks.

2. President Mahama Directs Zoomlion to Open Transfer Stations for Waste Disposal

Appears in: The Daily Banner, The Source, Daily Post, The Inquisitor, The Ghanaian Publisher, Daily Graphic
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered Zoomlion to operationalise six idle waste transfer stations across Greater Accra to ease waste disposal and improve flood recovery efforts following the recent devastating floods. The directive aims to ensure that silt and garbage removed during the clean-up exercise are properly transported and disposed of, preventing them from being washed back into drains.

3. Military Shooting at Kyebi Zongo: MP Demands Independent Probe

Appears in: Supreme, The New Crusading Guide, Daily Gist, The Metro Lens
The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South has called for an independent investigation into a shooting incident involving military personnel at Kyebi Zongo, which left one person wounded and sparked tensions in the community. Reports indicate that galamseyers clashed with the military, and the MP has demanded transparency and accountability.

4. Bawumia Calls for Unity: NPP Flagbearer Urges Losers to Back Winners

Appears in: The Daily Banner, The Source, The Informer, The Ghanaian Publisher, Daily Gist
Following the NPP constituency elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has appealed to unsuccessful aspirants to unite behind the newly elected executives, emphasising that party cohesion is essential for victory in the 2028 elections. His call comes amid reports of violence and destruction of election materials at Bantama.

5. GJA Gives NDC Chairman Seven Days to Apologise Over Obaatanpa Radio Attack

Appears in: Supreme, The Informer
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Central Regional Chairman of the NDC to apologise for an attack on Obaatanpa Radio. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over press freedom and political intolerance.

6. Obom Asafoatse Accuses Kasoa Police of Brutal Assault and Rights Abuses

Appears in: The National Goldheart, The New Crusading Guide
The Obom Asafoatse has accused police officers at Kasoa of brutal assault and attempted extrajudicial killing. He has appealed to President Mahama, the Inspector General of Police, and the Interior Minister for an independent probe into the alleged abuses.

7. ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ Successful Pilot Paves Way for Commercial Poultry Revolution

Appears in: Supreme, The New Crusading Guide, The Chronicle, Daily Gist
The successful pilot phase of the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ poultry programme has positioned Ghana for large-scale commercial poultry production. Agric Minister Eric Opoku has confirmed that the second phase is ready to commence, signalling a major boost for the country’s agricultural sector and food security.

8. Fifi Kwetey, Barbara Asamoah Under Fire Over Awutu Senya East Cover-Up Claims

Appears in: Supreme, The New Crusading Guide
NDC figures Fifi Kwetey and Barbara Asamoah have been drawn into a controversy surrounding alleged cover-up claims in the Awutu Senya East constituency. The unfolding scandal has sparked intense debate and calls for accountability within the party.

9. Abu Trica Pleads Not Guilty in US Over $8m Romance Scam

Appears in: DailyGuide
Ghanaian socialite Abu Trica, extradited to the United States over an alleged $8 million romance fraud scheme, has pleaded not guilty. His extradition has drawn significant media attention, with questions raised about the legal process and diplomatic cooperation between Ghana and the US.

10. Disaster Looms at Ashaiman: Petrol Tanker Fire Raises Alarm Over Workshops Under High-Tension Cables

Appears in: Republic Press
A petrol tanker fire in Ashaiman has raised urgent safety concerns, with residents warning of a potential catastrophe as mechanics, welders, and fuel-related activities operate dangerously close to high-tension electricity pylons. Authorities are under pressure to enforce safety regulations and relocate the informal workshops.