BREAKING: Tolon Naa Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari Dies

Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari - Late Tolon Naa

The Tolon Traditional Area has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its Paramount Chief, Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari.

The news of his passing on Sunday, August 23, has sent shockwaves across Tolon, Dagbon and beyond, with many already reflecting on the life and service of a traditional ruler whose journey took him from the military to the highest levels of traditional leadership.

For many who knew him, the late Tolon Naa was more than a chief.

He was a soldier, an elder, a custodian of tradition and, above all, a man whose life was shaped by discipline and service.

From the Military to the Traditional Palace

Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari was born in 1943 at Tali and had a distinguished career in the Ghana Armed Forces.

He reportedly served as an escort officer to Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, before eventually retiring from the military with the rank of Major.

His journey later took him into traditional leadership.

In 2001, he became Regent of Tolon, serving his people for years before being enskinned as the substantive Tolon Naa in 2019.

His transition from military service to traditional leadership gave him a unique background—one that combined the discipline of a soldier with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler.

A Chief Remembered for His Principles

As tributes begin to emerge, one recurring theme is the sense of principle associated with the late Paramount Chief.

People who knew him describe a man who was deeply conscious of the responsibility that came with occupying the traditional throne.

He was particularly admired by some for his reported position that traditional lands should not simply become a source of personal wealth for chiefs.

For him, the traditional stool came with a responsibility to protect the interests of generations yet unborn.

That philosophy, if further confirmed by those who worked closely with him, could become one of the most important parts of the story of his leadership.

Another Loss for Dagbon

Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari's death comes at a painful time for Dagbon.

His passing follows closely on the heels of the death of the Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, leaving the kingdom mourning the loss of two prominent traditional figures within a short period.

The Tolon Naa was also regarded as an important figure within the traditional hierarchy of Dagbon.

His death therefore goes beyond the boundaries of Tolon. It is a loss that will be felt across the traditional kingdom and among people who interacted with him during his years of public and traditional service.

There Is More to His Story

For many Ghanaians who may only be hearing his name because of his death, the story of Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari is far bigger than today's headline.

There are chapters of his life that remain largely unknown to the public—from his military career and experiences in public service to his years on the traditional throne and the principles that guided him.

In the coming days, Global Pulse GH will bring readers more verified accounts from people who knew and worked with the late Tolon Naa, helping to tell the story of the man behind the title.

Because sometimes, the best way to honour a great traditional leader is not only to announce his death, but to tell the story of the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.

Dagbon Mourns

As the Tolon Traditional Area prepares to mourn its Paramount Chief, messages of condolence are expected from traditional leaders, government officials, political leaders, military colleagues, family members and residents.

For now, the people of Tolon have lost a father figure and traditional leader.

Dagbon has lost an elder.

And Ghana has lost a retired military officer whose life was devoted, in different ways, to service.

May Allah forgive the shortcomings of Major (Rtd.) Sulemana Abubakari, have mercy upon him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah grant his family, the Tolon Traditional Area and the people of Dagbon strength and comfort during this difficult period.

Global Pulse GH will continue to provide verified updates on the passing, funeral arrangements, tributes and the legacy of the late Tolon Naa.