Dagbon set to enskin Kampakuya Naa Abukari Yakubu today as Regent

Dagbon will today, Friday, July 31, 2026, enskin Kampakuya Naa Abukari Yakubu, the first surviving son of the late Ya‑Na Abukari II, as Regent of the kingdom.

The ceremony, to be held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, marks a crucial step in the traditional succession process following the passing of the late overlord. It will set the stage for the performance of his final funeral rites and the eventual selection and enskinment of a substantive Ya‑Na.

Thousands of Dagbon sons and daughters have already thronged Yendi for the historic event. Traditional rituals and customary activities have been undertaken ahead of the main enskinment later today.

The ceremony is expected to draw traditional leaders from sister kingdoms, members of the diplomatic corps, political figures, government officials, Members of Parliament, heads of security agencies, development partners and other distinguished guests. Former Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is also expected to attend, alongside several dignitaries.

According to the official programme, the customary enskinment of the Regent will take place at 1:30 p.m., after which he will be ceremonially escorted to the durbar grounds.

The durbar will feature royal citations, traditional salutations and homage, solidarity messages from sister kingdoms, remarks by the Regent and other dignitaries, and an address by President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking to ModernGhana ahead of the event, some participants expressed excitement about the historic moment, describing the enskinment as a vital traditional process that will ensure continuity and stability in Dagbon. They also urged residents, visitors and stakeholders to maintain peace and uphold the customs governing the ceremony.

The event will conclude with a brief cultural display and closing prayer before the departure of dignitaries.

Under Dagbon custom, following the death of a Ya‑Na, the first surviving son may be enskinned as Kampakuya Naa, or Regent, to temporarily oversee the affairs of the kingdom until the final funeral rites of his father are performed and a new substantive Ya‑Na is selected and enskinned.

The Regent assumes significant responsibilities during this transitional period, exercising delegated authority to manage the kingdom’s affairs — including the enskinment of chiefs to vacant traditional areas — in consultation with the Kuga Naa and other key traditional authorities. He is accorded the courtesies and recognition associated with the office of Ya‑Na throughout his regency.

The enskinment of Kampakuya Naa Abukari Yakubu therefore represents a major milestone in Dagbon’s succession process as the kingdom prepares for the final funeral rites of Ya‑Na Abukari II and the eventual installation of his successor.