Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama personally took charge of efforts to secure emergency medical treatment abroad for the late Dagbon Overlord, Yaa Naa Abukari II.

Speaking during a visit by the Overlord of Dagbon's family to the Presidency on Monday, July 20, 2026, after the late ruler’s passing, Haruna Iddrisu said the president became directly involved when the Yaa Naa's health condition worsened.

The story of Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II

According to him, President Mahama personally requested for Yaa Naa's travel documents and oversaw arrangements for his medical evacuation instead of leaving the responsibility to his aides.

"I should add that when his [Yaa Naa Abukari II] medical condition was deteriorating, Ibrahim Mahama called on you; as I said, you took it personal.

"The president asked that he wanted the bio page data himself. He didn't leave it to the chief of staff or a minister of education. He said, 'Haruna, send me the first passport page of Nda Yaa Naa' and that he personally was arranging the medical evacuation to save his life," Haruna detailed.

The legislator indicated that despite the president's efforts, the Yaa Naa sadly passed away on July 11, 2026.

"The rest, Mr President, is what regrettably Nayeb Nantona has come formally to announce to you that we lost your father. You repeatedly used the word my father, and you did your utmost best," he stated.

The Education Minister also commended Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie for his role in facilitating the process.

He said the envoy remained in constant communication with officials throughout the operation because of the cultural importance attached to Yaa Naa.

"Mr President, on behalf of the chiefs and people of Dagbon to acknowledge your High Commissioner in South Africa. He did a yeoman's job from 6 am to 8 pm. Every 30 minutes, we were on the phone with him to facilitate because the president knew the cultural significance of an internment of a Yaa Naa and what was culturally impossible within Dagbon culture and norms," he added.

The family of the late Overlord of Dagbon went to officially informed President John Dramani Mahama of his passing through a delegation that paid him a courtesy call.

Profile of the late Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II

During the visit, the delegation expressed gratitude to the president for the support he provided during the monarch's illness and after his death.

Watch the video below:

“You took it personal… you did your utmost best.” — Education Minister and Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu commends President Mahama’s efforts to save the life of the late Ya-Na Abukari II.#ChannelOneNews #YaNa #Dagbon #GhanaNews pic.twitter.com/eO7ztq7K5G

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) July 20, 2026