Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on the newly installed Regent of Dagbon to uphold the values of peace, unity and reconciliation associated with the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.

Dr Bawumia made the appeal at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi during the installation ceremony of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu, where he joined chiefs, elders and residents to honour the new traditional leader.

Delivering his remarks in Dagbani, Dr Bawumia paid an emotional tribute to the late Ya-Na, whom he described as a figure of wisdom, patience and peace who played a significant role in strengthening unity in Dagbon after years of conflict.

He recalled that his relationship with the late overlord began in Savelugu when he was serving as Yoo-Naa, before ascending the Dagbon throne in Yendi.

“My relationship with the late Ya-Na did not begin in Yendi. It began in Savelugu, when he was Yoo-Naa,” Dr Bawumia said.

He also recounted a memorable encounter during a 2016 campaign visit to Savelugu, where he paid homage to the then Yoo-Naa while serving as the NPP running mate.

“I said to the Yoo-Naa: If a man has two wives, and he only tastes the soup of one wife, how will he know which of them cooks the better soup?” Dr Bawumia recalled, explaining that his message was that Dagbon should also consider the NPP.

The former Vice President said his bond with the late Ya-Na was built on “warmth and deep respect”, describing him as a father figure whose leadership helped consolidate peace and stability in the traditional area.

Turning his attention to the newly installed Regent, Dr Bawumia congratulated Kampakuya Naa Yakubu and prayed for his success, urging him and the people of Dagbon to safeguard the peaceful legacy inherited from the late Ya-Na.

The installation ceremony showcased Dagbon’s rich cultural traditions, with chiefs and elders adorned in traditional regalia as drumming, dancing and customary rituals marked the historic occasion.