Government has fully endorsed the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report presented by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
In an official statement signed by Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, government accepted all findings and recommendations contained in the mediation report, describing it as a “comprehensive, fact-based, and forward-looking roadmap” aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in Bawku.
Government reaffirmed the Supreme Court position that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba, stating no individual or group is permitted under any circumstances to contest his authority or legitimacy.
“Government affirms the unequivocal position of the law, as consistently upheld by the Supreme Court of Ghana, that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba,” the statement said.
Government accepted the recommendation that Alhaji Seidu Abagre, installed as a rival claimant to the Bawku chieftaincy, be recalled to Nalerigu by the Overlord of Mamprugu, the Nayiri, to assume an alternative traditional role.
“The Government will immediately facilitate the safe movement of Alhaji Seidu Abagre to Nalerigu, where he shall remain available to receive the directives of the Nayiri,” the statement added.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to establish the GH₵1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund to be disbursed between 2026 and 2028.
The fund will be dedicated to reconstruction and development of priority infrastructure including roads, healthcare, education, dam and irrigation facilities for all-year-round agriculture, security installations, and economic and commercial facilities.
Government said the investment aims to restore Bawku to its historic position as a significant economic and trading hub in Northern Ghana.
The fund will be managed by a high-level committee chaired by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who also serves as Acting Minister for Defence.
Other committee members are Upper East Regional Minister Donaltus Akamuguri and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central Constituency representing MPs from the area.
Government acknowledged that the protracted conflict has resulted in grave human, social, and economic losses, significantly undermining livelihoods, social cohesion, and development prospects in Bawku and surrounding areas.
“Insecurity over the years has severely constrained public and private investment and stalled development,” the statement noted.
Government respectfully requested Otumfuo to continue lending his distinguished leadership and moral authority to subsequent reconciliation efforts aimed at fostering enduring peace and harmonious coexistence between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.
The statement called on all traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners, and the broader citizenry to support the peace-building and reconciliation process.
Government reiterated Otumfuo’s admonition that there are no winners and no losers in the process, with President Mahama urging all parties to accept and faithfully abide by the mediation conclusions “in the supreme interest of peace and national stability.”
The statement expressed profound gratitude to Otumfuo, the Nayiri (Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga II), the Bawku Naba (Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II), and all individuals, institutions, and stakeholders whose cooperation contributed to the success of the historic mediation process.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
