The Government has fully endorsed and accepted all the findings and recommendations contained in the Mediation Report on the Bawku conflict, describing it as a comprehensive, fact-based, and forward-looking roadmap aimed solely at achieving lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
According to the Government, the report is not intended to apportion blame or declare winners, but to restore harmony and coexistence among affected communities.
In reaffirming the rule of law, the Government reiterated the consistent position of the Supreme Court of Ghana that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba, stressing that no individual or group is permitted under any circumstances to challenge his authority or legitimacy.
The government has also accepted the recommendation that Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who was 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, with the facilitation and support of the State.
Pursuant to this recommendation by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Government says it will immediately facilitate the safe movement of Alhaji Seidu Abagre to Nalerigu, where he will remain available to receive directives from the Nayiri.
Government further appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue providing leadership and moral authority in subsequent reconciliation efforts to foster enduring peace and harmonious coexistence between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.
Socio-Economic Recovery and Development
Acknowledging the severe human, social, and economic toll of the prolonged conflict, the Government said years of insecurity have undermined livelihoods, weakened social cohesion, discouraged investment, and stalled infrastructure development in Bawku.
In response, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to establish a 1 billion cedi Bawku Revitalisation Fund, to be disbursed over three years from 2026 to 2028.
The Fund will support the reconstruction and development of priority infrastructure, including roads, healthcare and education facilities, dams and irrigation systems for year-round agriculture, security installations, and economic and commercial infrastructure, to restore Bawku’s historic role as a major economic and trading hub in Northern Ghana.
The Fund will be managed by a high-level committee chaired by the Minister for Finance and Acting Minister for Defence, Hon. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. Other members include the Upper East Regional Minister, Donaltus Akamuguri, and the Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, representing Members of Parliament from the area.
Call for National Support
The government has called on traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners, and all citizens to support the peace and reconciliation process in a spirit of unity, restraint, and patriotism.
Reiterating the counsel of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Government emphasised that there are no winners and no losers in the mediation process, urging all parties to faithfully accept and abide by the conclusions and recommendations of the report in the supreme interest of peace and national stability.
Government also expressed profound gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga II, the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and all stakeholders whose cooperation and goodwill contributed to the success of the mediation.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao adattor
