The Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, has appointed Alhassan Mahama as the new Paramount Chief of the Mion Traditional Area, under the title Mion Lana Alhassan II.
His enskinment took place at the historic Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on June 3, 2025, following the completion of the final funeral rites of the late Mion Lana Abdulai Mahama. He has since moved to Mion to assume his duties as chief.
A seasoned public servant, Mion Lana Alhassan II brings to his new role a distinguished career in agriculture and rural development. Having served in multiple districts — including Damongo, Walewale, Saboba, and Bunkpurugu — his legacy is rooted in decades of service with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. He joined the Ministry in 1978 as a Plant Quarantine Officer and specialized in plant protection and regulatory services until his retirement in 2013.
He began his formal education at Yendi Primary School in 1960, proceeded to Naa Yaakuba Middle School in 1967, and attended Yendi Secondary School in 1970. After working briefly as a pupil teacher in 1976, he pursued agricultural training and earned a diploma from the Agricultural College in Nyankpala in 1988. He later served in Gambaga and Bunkpurugu until his retirement.
Now 73 years old, Mion Lana Alhassan II was born in Yendi in January 1952. He is the fourth son of the late Ya-Na Mahama Bla, who ruled Dagbon between 1948 and 1953. After his father’s passing, he was raised by his mother’s family. He is married to three wives, has ten children — six sons and four daughters — and fifteen grandchildren.
His enskinment follows a competitive selection process involving five notable aspirants from both the Abudu and Andani royal gates. Among them were:
Dimon Kutung Lana Alhassan Mahama, son of Ya-Na Mahama Billa (1948–1953)
Karaga Sing Lana Alhassan Mahama, son of Ya-Na Mahamadu Abdulai (1969–1974) and brother of the late Mion Lana
Nasa Lana Alhassan Abdulai, son of Ya-Na Ablabla (1954–1968)
Mion Gban-Lana Alhassan Abdulai, son of the late Mion Lana Abdulai (2019–2022)
Tampion Lana Alhassan Andani, son of Ya-Na Andani Zolikugli
Throughout his public service, Mion Lana Alhassan II was known for his integrity and practical leadership — qualities seen as critical as he takes on the revered role of Mion Lana. With his strong background in governance and agriculture, he is expected to champion development, promote unity, and help advance peace within the Mion Traditional Area and the wider Dagbon Kingdom.
As he steps into this new chapter, traditional authorities and local stakeholders express hope that his leadership will help address contemporary challenges while preserving the cultural and historical legacy of the Mion skin.
