Africa-Press – Ghana. The Government has fully endorsed and accepted all the findings and recommendations contained in the Otumfuo Mediation Report on the Bawku chieftaincy conflict.
A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, said the Report constituted a comprehensive, fact-based, and forward-looking roadmap aimed exclusively at achieving lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
It noted that the report was not intended to apportion blame or confer victory on any party.
It said the Government had received, carefully reviewed, and deliberated on the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report (“the Mediation Report”) presented by Otumfuo Osei Tutu Il, Asantehene, on 16th December.
“In particular, the 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, and that no individual or group is permitted, under any circumstances, to contest his authority or legitimacy,” it said.
The statement noted that the Government 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 necessary facilitation and support of the State.
It said pursuant to this recommendation by Otumfuo Osei Tutu Il, the Government would immediately facilitate the safe movement of Alhaji Seidu Abagre to Nalerigu, where he shall remain available to receive the directives of the Nayiri.
It said the Government further respectfully requested Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue to lend his distinguished leadership and moral authority to subsequent reconciliation efforts aimed at fostering enduring peace and harmonious coexistence between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.
Touching on Socio-Economic Recovery and Development of Bawku, the statement said the 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 its environs.
It said insecurity over the years had severely constrained public and private investment and stalled critical infrastructure development.
The statement said in response, President John Dramani Mahama had directed the Minister for Finance to establish a One Billion Ghana Cedi Bawku Revitalisation Fund.
It said the Fund which shall be disbursed over a three-year period between 2026 and 2028, would be dedicated to the 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, to restore Bawku to its historic position as a significant economic and trading hub in Northern Ghana.
It said the Fund shall 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.
Other Members of the Committee are 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, who would represent MPs from the area.
Regarding the call for National Support and Reconciliation, the statement said the Government 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 in the spirit of unity, restraint, and patriotism.
It said the Government reiterated the admonition of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II that there were no winners and no losers in this process.
It said President Mahama, urged all parties to accept and faithfully abide by the conclusions and recommendations of the Mediation Report in the supreme interest of peace and national stability.
The statement said the Government expresses its profound gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu, The Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga II, the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka Il, and all individuals, institutions, and stakeholders whose goodwill, cooperation, and commitment contributed to the success of this historic meditation process.
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