Dagbon Overlord receives honour, UDS Confers Doctorate Degree
The Dagbon Overlord receives honour from the University for Development Studies (UDS). The University conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Ya-Naa Abukari Mahama II on November 15, 2025. In fact, this prestigious award recognizes his outstanding leadership. Importantly, the honour celebrates his crucial role in unifying Dagbon. Additionally, it recognizes his consistent efforts toward sustainable development. A special congregation ceremony was held at the University’s Tamale campus. Students, chiefs, and government officials attended the large gathering. Furthermore, academic community members also celebrated the King’s achievements.

Vice Chancellor Professor Seidu Al-Hassan presented the award. Thus, he highly praised the Ya-Naa’s peace efforts. The King championed peace and reconciliation across Dagbon. Moreover, he restored harmony following decades of chieftaincy conflict. The Vice Chancellor noted the King’s leadership was central to this success. Specifically, this peace followed a roadmap mediated by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The roadmap successfully culminated in the performance of two late overlords’ funerals. Consequently, their unresolved claims had divided the kingdom for years. Professor Al-Hassan commended the Ya-Naa for charting a new course. Indeed, he praised him for steering the chieftaincy institution away from political manipulation. The Vice Chancellor also lauded him for promoting socioeconomic development.
Since then, his 2019 coronation, the Dagbon Overlord receives honour has initiated several projects. These projects aim to consolidate the newly established peace. Clearly, they also work to improve living standards across the kingdom. For instance, among his significant initiatives is a new Gbewaa Palace. The new structure will serve as a symbol of unity for the entire kingdom. Presently, the first phase of this ambitious palace project nears completion. It will house the Ya-Naa and his family. Similarly, the palace will also serve as the traditional council’s administrative center.

Northern Regional Minister Adolf Ali John spoke at the event. Subsequently, he expressed profound gratitude to the Ya-Naa. Specifically, he thanked the King for his continuous support to the Regional Security Council. This cooperation has been pivotal in maintaining peace and stability. Consequently, his support has deepened the region’s recovery from past conflicts. This honorary doctorate will reinforce the partnership between UDS and the Dagbon Kingdom. In addition, it will boost cooperation in areas like education and community development. Ultimately, for many residents, the honour recognizes the Ya-Naa’s personal efforts. Moreover, it celebrates Dagbon’s resilience and its steady march toward unity and progress.
Therefore, this is truly a well-deserved recognition.e at the event. He expressed profound gratitude to the Ya-Naa. Specifically, he thanked the King for his continuous support to the Regional Security Council. This cooperation has been pivotal in maintaining peace and stability. Consequently, his support has deepened the region’s recovery from past conflicts. This honorary doctorate will reinforce the partnership between UDS and the Dagbon Kingdom. In addition, it will boost cooperation in areas like education and community development. For many residents, the honour recognizes the Ya-Naa’s personal efforts. Moreover, it celebrates Dagbon’s resilience and its march toward unity and progress. This is truly a well-deserved recognition.
Source: GBC News

