BY Daniel Bampoe
The National Democratic Congress Government has formally accepted and endorsed the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, signalling a decisive shift from mediation to enforcement, reconciliation, and long-term development in one of the country’s most protracted conflict zones.
In an official statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the government stated that it had received, carefully reviewed, and deliberated on the report submitted the previous day at Jubilee House, following months of mediation led by the Asantehene at the request of President John Dramani Mahama.
The statement underscored the government’s commitment to peace, constitutional order, the rule of law, and national cohesion.
According to the Presidency, the Mediation Report constitutes a comprehensive, fact-based, and forward-looking framework aimed solely at restoring lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in Bawku and its surrounding communities.
The NDC Government stressed that the report was not intended to apportion blame or declare winners and losers but to provide a workable pathway out of decades of violence and mistrust between the Mamprusi and Kusasi factions.
Central to the government’s position is a firm reaffirmation of the legal status of the Bawku skin.
The statement reiterated that the Supreme Court of Ghana has consistently upheld Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba, and that no individual or group is permitted under any circumstances to challenge his authority or legitimacy.
This position, the government noted, remains binding unless altered by constitutional means or judicial review.
In line with the Asantehene’s recommendations, the government also accepted the proposal 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, Naa Bohagu Mahama Sheriga II.
The statement explained that Alhaji Abagre is to assume an alternative traditional role under the authority of the Nayiri, with the facilitation and support of the state.
Pursuant to this recommendation, the government announced that it would immediately facilitate the safe movement of Alhaji Seidu Abagre to Nalerigu, where he is expected to remain available to receive directives from the Nayiri.
The Presidency framed this step as a critical confidence-building measure aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing renewed violence.
The government further appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue lending his moral authority and leadership to subsequent reconciliation efforts, particularly initiatives designed to rebuild trust and foster harmonious coexistence between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities after years of bloodshed.
Beyond security and chieftaincy matters, the statement acknowledged the devastating socio-economic impact of the conflict. The government noted that years of insecurity have resulted in significant human loss, disrupted livelihoods, weakened social cohesion, and stalled development in Bawku and its environs.
Persistent violence has also deterred public and private investment and delayed critical infrastructure projects.
In response, President Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to establish a One Billion Ghana Cedi (₵1,000,000,000) Bawku Revitalisation Fund.
The fund, to be disbursed over three years from 2026 to 2028, is intended to support large-scale reconstruction and development across the area.
According to the statement, priority projects under the fund will include roads, healthcare and educational infrastructure, dams and irrigation systems to support year-round agriculture, security installations, and economic and commercial facilities.
The aim, the government said, is to restore Bawku to its historic role as a major economic and trading hub in northern Ghana.
The Revitalisation Fund will be managed by a high-level committee chaired by the Minister for Finance and Acting Minister for Defence, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. Other members include the Upper East Regional Minister, Donaltus Akamuguri, and the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, who will represent Members of Parliament from the affected area.
In closing, government issued a national call for restraint, unity and cooperation.
Traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners, and the general public were urged to support the peace-building and reconciliation process in the supreme interest of national stability.
Reinforcing Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s message, the statement stressed that there are no victors or vanquished in the mediation process.
President John Mahama appealed to all parties to accept and faithfully abide by the conclusions and recommendations of the Mediation Report for the sake of peace and cohesion.
The government expressed profound gratitude to the Asantehene, the Nayiri, the Bawku Naba, and all stakeholders whose cooperation and goodwill contributed to what it described as a historic mediation effort.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
