Dagbon Kingdom suspends this year’s Damba Festival in honour of late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II

The Dagbon Kingdom has suspended this year’s Damba Festival in honour of the late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, who passed away on July 11, 2026, after reigning as the Overlord of Dagbon for seven years.

The decision was announced by the Head of the Dagbon Kingmakers, Naa Yeb Kug’naa Adam Abdulai, as part of the kingdom’s official mourning arrangements for the late king.

The Damba Festival, the biggest annual cultural celebration in the Dagbon Kingdom, is traditionally marked by drumming, dancing, horse processions and royal ceremonies led by the Yaa-Naa.

With the suspension, all official Damba activities across the kingdom will not be held this year as Dagbon continues to observe the customs and traditions following the passing of its revered overlord.

Filed by :Abdul Wahab Yumzaa Yakubu