The Government of Ghana has endorsed the Bawku conflict mediation report presented by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on December 16, 2025.
The report is described as a comprehensive, fact-based and forward-looking roadmap aimed at securing lasting peace, reconciliation and stability in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
According to the statement, the mediation report deliberately avoids apportioning blame or declaring winners, instead focusing on constitutional order, traditional authority, and practical steps to end decades of conflict that have undermined development in the Upper East Region.
The government announced that it has accepted all the findings and recommendations contained in the report. Central among these is the reaffirmation of the Supreme Court of Ghana’s consistent rulings that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba. The statement stresses that no individual or group may challenge his authority or legitimacy under any circumstances.
In line with the report’s recommendations, the government has also accepted the recall of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival claimant installed by the Nayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu.
The government said it will facilitate his safe movement to Nalerigu, where he will receive directives from the Nayiri and may be assigned an alternative traditional role, with appropriate state support.
Additionally, the government has urged Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue providing moral leadership and guidance in mediating relations between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities, to foster peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
The statement underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to peace, the rule of law, constitutional governance and national cohesion.
GH¢1 billion Bawku revitalisation fund announced
Acknowledging the severe human, social and economic toll of the protracted conflict, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance to establish a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund.
The fund will be disbursed over three years from 2026 to 2028 and will target critical development needs, including road infrastructure, healthcare and educational facilities, dams and irrigation systems to support year-round agriculture, security installations, and economic and commercial infrastructure.
The overarching objective of the initiative is to restore Bawku’s historic status as a major economic and trading hub in Northern Ghana.
Management of the fund will be overseen by a high-level committee chaired by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who also serves as Acting Minister for Defence.
Other members of the committee include the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri, and the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and represents MPs from the affected areas.
Appeal for national support
The government has called on traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners and the general public to support the peace-building and reconciliation process.
Reiterating Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s message, the statement emphasised that there are “no winners and no losers” in the mediation effort and urged all parties to respect and abide by the report’s conclusions.
The government also expressed deep appreciation to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga II, the Bawku Naba Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and all stakeholders who contributed to the mediation process.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
While the government’s endorsement of the report marks a significant step toward resolving the long-standing chieftaincy dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, challenges remain.
Reports indicate that the Nayiri has rejected the mediation outcome, citing concerns over the process, highlighting that sustained dialogue and goodwill will be required to achieve full and lasting reconciliation in Bawku.
