Accra: The Government has fully endorsed and accepted all the findings and recommendations contained in the Otumfuo Mediation Report on the Bawku chieftaincy conflict.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued by Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, emphasized that the Report presented a comprehensive, fact-based, and future-oriented roadmap aimed at achieving lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in Bawku and its surrounding areas. The government clarified that the report was not intended to assign blame or declare victory for any party involved.
The statement highlighted that the Government had received, carefully reviewed, and deliberated on the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report ('the Mediation Report') presented by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on 16th December. It reaffirmed the legal stance consistently upheld by the Supreme Court of Ghana, recognizing Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba, and emphasized that no individual or group is allowed to challenge his authority or legitimacy.
Furthermore, the Government accepted the recommendation for Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who was installed as a rival claimant to the Bawku chieftaincy, to be recalled to Nalerigu by the Overlord of Mamprugu, the Nayiri, to assume an alternative traditional role. The government pledged to facilitate this process with the necessary support and oversight.
The statement also requested Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue contributing his esteemed leadership and moral authority to future reconciliation efforts, promoting enduring peace and harmonious coexistence between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.
Addressing the socio-economic recovery and development of Bawku, the Government acknowledged the severe human, social, and economic losses caused by the prolonged conflict, which has undermined livelihoods, social cohesion, and development prospects in the region. The statement noted the impact of insecurity, which has restricted public and private investment and stalled critical infrastructure development.
In response, President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Minister for Finance to establish a One Billion Ghana Cedi Bawku Revitalisation Fund. This fund, to be disbursed over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028, aims to reconstruct and develop priority infrastructure such as roads, healthcare, education, irrigation facilities, security installations, and economic and commercial facilities, restoring Bawku to its historic status as a key economic and trading hub in Northern Ghana.
The Fund will be managed by a high-level Committee chaired by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who also serves as Acting Minister for Defence. The Committee will include Mr. Donaltus Akamuguri, the Upper East Regional Minister, and Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, representing MPs from the area.
Regarding the call for national support and reconciliation, the statement urged traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, religious bodies, development partners, and citizens to support the peace-building and reconciliation process in a spirit of unity, restraint, and patriotism. The Government echoed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's message that there are no winners or losers in this process.
President Mahama urged all parties to accept and adhere to the conclusions and recommendations of the Mediation Report in the supreme interest of peace and national stability. The Government expressed profound gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu, The Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga II, the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and all individuals, institutions, and stakeholders whose goodwill, cooperation, and commitment contributed to the success of this historic mediation process.