Gariba II

{{short description|Traditional ruler of the Kingdom of Dagbon in Ghana}} {{Infobox royalty | embed = | name = Gariba II | title = {{noitalic|{{ubl|His Royal Highness|His Royal Majesty|King of Dagbɔŋ}}}} | titletext = ''Yaa Naa Bukali II'' | more = | type = | image =Yaa Naa Bukali Mahama II, traditional ruler of the Kingdom of Dagbon in Ghana.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = | succession = | moretext = | reign = January 18, 2019 – Present | reign-type = | coronation = January 25, 2019 | cor-type = Enskined | predecessor = Yakubu II | pre-type = | successor = | suc-type = | regent = | reg-type = | succession1 = | moretext1 = | reign1 = | reign-type1 = | coronation1 = | cor-type1 = | predecessor1 = | pre-type1 = | successor1 = | suc-type1 = | regent1 = | reg-type1 = | succession2 = | moretext2 = | reign2 = | reign-type2 = | coronation2 = | cor-type2 = | predecessor2 = | pre-type2 = | successor2 = | suc-type2 = | regent2 = | reg-type2 = | succession3 = | moretext3 = | reign3 = | reign-type3 = | coronation3 = | cor-type3 = | predecessor3 = | pre-type3 = | successor3 = | suc-type3 = | regent3 = | reg-type3 =  | birth_name = Abubakar | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1939|01|01|df=y}} (disputed) | birth_place = Mion (disputed) | death_date = | death_place = | burial_place = | spouse = | spouse-type = | consort =  | issue =  | issue-link = | issue-pipe = | issue-type = | full name = Abukari Mahama | era name = | era dates = | regnal name = Gariba II | posthumous name= | temple name = | house = Andani | house-type = | father = Mahama II | mother = Ayishetu | religion = | occupation = {{Plainlist| *Yaa Naa *Farmer *Horseman }} | signature_type = | signature = | module = }}

{{Infobox royal styles | name = Yaa Naa Bukali Mahama II | image = | image_size =100px | reference = His Majesty | spoken = Your Majesty | alternative = Tihi ni mɔri lana }}

'''Bukali II''' (Bukali, Bukari, Abukari, Abubakar; born 1939 or 1940's), known as '''Gariba II''', is the current Yaa Naa, traditional ruler of the Kingdom of Dagbon in Northern Ghana.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-46983917|title=Meet Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II of Ghana|date=2019-01-25|access-date=2019-02-03|language=en-GB}}</ref>

Bukali was born into royalty at Mion to Mahama II, the Yaa Naa from 1938 to 6 February 1948.<ref name="new yaa naa">{{Cite web|url=http://ghheadlines.com/agency/ghanaian-times/20190125/107202397/dagbon-outdoors-new-yaa-naa-today|title=Dagbon outdoors new Yaa-Naa today {{!}} GhHeadlines Total News Total Information|website=ghheadlines.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref> His mother,  Ayishetu,<ref name=":0" /> was a princess from Kulunkpegu, a small community near Chaazaadaanyili in Northern Ghana. Bukali's first undertook public duties as the chief of Kpunkpono until he was elevated to Savelugu; one of three gate skins to succeed the Yaa Naa.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2021-10-26 |title=Northern MPs Supports Dagbon Development Fund With GH 100,000 |url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/northern-mps-supports-dagbon-development-fund-with-gh-100000/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=DailyGuide Network |language=en-US}}</ref>

Bukali was ordained by the kingmakers of Dagbon as the 41st Yaa Naa on January 18, 2019,<ref name="enskined date">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Savelugu-chief-selected-as-new-Yaa-Naa-716280|title=Savelugu chief selected as new Yaa Naa|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref> following a chieftaincy dispute that left the ''Yendi skins'' vacant for 16 years.<ref name="horseman">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/From-a-horseman-farmer-to-Ya-Naa-Read-about-the-new-overlord-of-Dagbon-717924|title=From a horseman, farmer to Ya-Naa; Read about the new overlord of Dagbon|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref>

==Investiture== The ceremony to outdoor Bukali II began on January 25 throughout 27 of 2019.<ref name=":0" /> The preceding two weeks of his investiture was devoted to the celebration of the final funeral rites of Mahamadu IV and Yakubu II; each lasting one week with the former taking the lead. This timeline was determined by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs formed by the Government of Ghana to intervene the dispute that followed the murder of the immediate past Yaa Naa Yakubu II that led to a 17-years long vacancy of the ''Yendi skins''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/hail-new-yaa-naa-he-takes-over-after-17-years-vacuum.html|location=Accra, Ghana|title=Hail new Yaa Naa; he takes over after 17 years vacuum|date=2019-01-26|newspaper=Daily Graphic|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-02-05}}</ref>

On Friday January 18, 2019; the final day of the funeral of Yakubu II, kingmakers of Dagbon led by the Kuga Naa ''Abdulai Adam II'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Kuga-Na-thanks-President-as-Dagbon-outdoors-new-Ya-Na-718217|title=Kuga-Na thanks President as Dagbon outdoors new Ya-Na|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-06}}</ref> consulted the Dagbon oracles to select a new king from among four contenders; namely, Yoo Naa ''Abukari Mahama''; chief of Savelugu, Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu; regent of Yakubu II, Bolin Lana ''Abdulai Mahamudu''; regent of Mahamadu IV, and Tampion Lana ''Alhassan Andani'', chief of Tampion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://zaaradio.com/local/head-of-andani-family-now-new-dagbon-overlord/|title=Head of Andani family now new Dagbon overlord|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/savelugu-chief-yoo-naa-abubakar-selected-as-new-yaa-naa/fksrgy1|title=Savelugu chief, Yoo Naa Abubakar, selected as new Yaa-Naa|date=2019-01-19|website=www.pulse.com.gh|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-06}}</ref> Grass pulled from the roof of the Gbewaa Palace by the ''Gushei Naa'' was handed over to Abukari Mahama by the Kuga Naa. This gesture signified that the oracle had chosen Abukari Mahama to be the Yaa Naa.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6MQ-5Elyg2kC&q=yaa+naa+kuga+naa+grass&pg=PT94|title=Chiefs, Priests, and Praise-singers: History, Politics, and Land Ownership in Northern Ghana|last=MacGaffey|first=Wyatt|date=2013|publisher=University of Virginia Press|isbn=9780813933863|language=en}}</ref>

The ceremony of the investiture was held at the forecourt of the Gbewaa Palace.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2019/01/25/ill-be-devoted-to-the-service-of-dagbon-yaa-naa-abubakari/|title='I'll be devoted to the service of Dagbon' – Yaa-Naa Abukari|date=January 25, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2019}}</ref> Special guest of honor was the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo. Present at the ceremony were Chiefs from Dagbon and their entourage, religious leaders, government officials, politicians and political party representatives including former president John Mahama,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-yaa-naa-abukari-mahama-s-coronation-in-photos.html|location=Accra, Ghana|title=Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama's coronation in photos|date=2019-01-25|newspaper=Daily Graphic|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-02-06}}</ref> and delegations sent by various paramouncies and chiefdoms including Asanteman and Mamprugu. The ceremony was chaired by Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State in the Volta Region and President of the National House of Chiefs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/filla/yendi-in-a-frenzy-state-as-new-yaa-naa-is-outdoored-today/hxvyj6g|title=Yendi in a frenzy state as new Yaa Naa is outdoored today|date=2019-01-25|website=www.pulse.com.gh|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-06}}</ref>

==Ancestry== {{Ahnentafel |align=center|collapsed=no |boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc; |boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9; |boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc; |boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc; |1= 1. '''Yaa Naa Bukali II of the Kingdom of Dagbon''' |2= 2. Yaa Naa Mahama II |3= 3. Ayishetu |4= 4. Yaa Naa Andani II |5= 5. Naasakai |6= 6. Kulunkpe-Naa Abukari |7= 7. ??? }}

== Projects and Initiatives ==

=== Dagbon Development Fund === In 2021, Bukali II launched the Dagbon Development Fund.<ref name=":2" />

=== Gbewaa Palace Redevelopment === On March 4, 2023, he cut sod for the reconstruction of the Gbewaa Palace.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1970-01-01 |title=READ: Full Speech of Ya Naa Abukari II at the sod-cutting of the Gbewaa Palace Redevelopment Project |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/region/northern/READ-Full-Speech-of-Ya-Naa-Abukari-II-at-the-sod-cutting-of-the-Gbewaa-Palace-Redevelopment-Project-64298 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-22 |title=Gbewaa palace reconstruction; Ya-Naa tours resettlement site |url=https://zaaradio.com/local/gbewaa-palace-reconstruction-ya-naa-tours-resettlement-site/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Zaa Radio 99.3 FM |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-17 |title=Dagombas serving as Ambassadors and Consul-Generals donate cash to support redevelopment of Gbewaa Palace |url=https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/dagombas-serving-as-ambassadors-and-consul-generals-donate-cash-to-support-redevelopment-of-gbewaa-palace/2023/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |language=en-US}}</ref> ==== Donations Towards Gbewaa Palace Redevelopment ==== Donations made towards the Gbewaa Palace Redevelopment from individuals and cooperate bodies and other state institutions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-15 |title=Dagbon Union UK donates over Gh¢100,000 for Gbewaa Palace reconstruction |url=https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/blogs/northernblog/Dagbon-Union-UK-donates-over-Gh-100-000-for-Gbewaa-Palace-reconstruction-2388 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241214113039/https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/blogs/northernblog/Dagbon-Union-UK-donates-over-Gh-100-000-for-Gbewaa-Palace-reconstruction-2388 |archive-date=2024-12-14 |access-date=2025-12-13 |work=GhanaWeb |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alabira |first=Mohammed Aminu M. |date=2025-04-28 |title=GCB MD supports construction of new Gbewaa Palace with 2,000 bags of cement |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2025/04/gcb-md-supports-construction-of-new-gbewaa-palace-with-2000-bags-of-cement/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Revision of Dagbon Constitution === Bukali II initiated the review of the Dagbon constitution in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-20 |title=Dagbon Traditional Council adopts new constitution to govern its affairs |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2022/10/dagbon-traditional-council-adopts-new-constitution-to-govern-its-affairs/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana |language=en-US}}</ref> He inaugurated a committee whose members were: Naa Yaba Kuɣa-Naa Abdulai II; Naa Yaba Sunson-Naa Shani Hamidu II; Naa Yaba Gushe-Naa Shitobu Abdulai I; Naa Yaba Tolon-Naa Abubakari I, Naa Yaba Kumbun-Naa Yiri II Alhaji Iddrisu Abu, Naa Yaba Nanton-Naa Mahamadu V, Naa Bakpem Kar-Naa Nantogmah, Naa Bakpem Yoo-Naa Abdulai V, Naa Bapra Mion-Lana Abdulai III, Naa Bapra Sagnar-Naa Ambassador Yakubu, Naa Bapra Chereponi-Fame Nanyame Kofi Malba, Naa Bapra Sabob-Naa Uchababor John Mateer Bowan, Naa Bapra Nakpale-Naa Gariba Yankosor II, Naa Bapra Kukon-Lana Abdulai, Naa Bapra Zankpaling-Lana Dr. Yakubu II, and Naa Yaba Namo-Naa Ayuba.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-15 |title=Dagbon To Review 1930 Constitution |url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/dagbon-to-review-1930-constitution/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=DailyGuide Network |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=GTonline |date=2022-10-22 |title=Dagbon Traditional Council adopts new constitution to govern affairs |url=https://www.ghanaiantimes.com.gh/dagbon-traditional-council-adopts-new-constitution-to-govern-affairs/ |location=Accra, Ghana|access-date=2023-11-24 |newspaper=Ghanaian Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-24 |title=Dagbon Constitutional Review Committee begins work on second draft of the constitution |url=https://zaaradio.com/local/dagbon-constitutional-review-committee-begins-work-on-second-draft-of-the-constitution/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Zaa Radio 99.3 FM |language=en-GB}}</ref> The reviewed constitution was adopted by the Dagbon Traditional Council in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-25 |title=Yaa Naa sets up Dagbon Constitutional Review Committee |url=https://dailystatesman.com.gh/yaa-naa-sets-up-dagbon-constitutional-review-committee/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Daily Statesman Newspaper |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Relief for 2023 Volta Flood Victims === During the devastating 2023 Volta floods, Bukali II donated significant relief composing of 300 bags of maize, 100 bags of rice, and 400 tubes of yam to victims in the Volta Region of Ghana.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Dagbon overlord supports victims of Akosombo dam spillage |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2023/11/dagbon-overlord-supports-victims-of-akosombo-dam-spillage/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gadafi |first=Mohammed |date=2023-11-23 |title=Akosombo Dam Spillage: Yaa Naa Supports Victims With Food Items |url=https://thecustodianghonline.com/2023/11/akosombo-dam-spillage-yaa-naa-supports-victims-with-food-items/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=The Custodian Newspaper Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kamasah |first=Andreas |date=2023-11-24 |title=Ablakwa overjoyed as Ya-Na invites him to palace, makes huge donation to flood victims |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/filla/ablakwa-overjoyed-as-ya-na-invites-him-to-palace-makes-huge-donation-to-flood-victims/8c4c3l0 |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Fm |first=Admin@Nkilgi |date=2023-11-23 |title=Ya-Na Donates 100 Bags Of Maize To Buipe flood victims |url=https://nkilgifmonline.com/2023/11/23/ya-na-donates-100-bags-of-maize-to-buipe-flood-victims/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Nkilgi FM Online |language=en-US}}</ref> He also donated 100 bags of maize to affected victims at Buipe in the Savannah Region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Ya-Na supports Mepe and Buipe flood victims - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/ya-na-supports-mepe-and-buipe-flood-victims/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

=== Partnership Between Tamale Technical University and Bursa Technical University === In July 2024 Bukali II played a key role in establishing a partnership between Tamale Technical University (TaTU) in Ghana and Bursa Technical University (BTU) in Turkey. This collaboration aimed to enhance human capital development in Ghana through knowledge exchange initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Knowledge exchange key to human capital transformation -Ya-Na |url=https://www.businessghana.com/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=BusinessGhana}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

Category:Living people Category:Dagomba royalty Category:People from Yendi Category:Yaa Naa Category:1939 births