Bawku Mediation: My Report Isn’t a Judgement- Otumfuo Emphasises
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has affirmed that the report on his mediation of the Bawku Conflict was not focused on rendering a judgment but finding a solution to the prevailing misunderstanding between the Kusasis and Mamprusis.
His Majesty, while publicly reading the report at the Jubilee House on December 16, 2025, during its presentation to President John Dramani Mahama, said he used his traditional mediation mechanisms to work towards an amicable solution.
This, the King said, was the task given to him by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the current president.
“It was a mediation, not an arbitration, and I’m not here to say this one was wrong or right.”
His Majesty disclosed that the two governments were committed to admitting and enforcing the recommendations.
“The government of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President John Dramani Mahama, asked me to use my traditional mediation mechanisms to find an amicable solution to the situation in Bawku, which both governments shall enforce.”
His Majesty recognises that the conflict has not only claimed the lives of many innocent souls but has also become a major threat to the security of the nation.
The Asantehene further expressed his gratitude to the governments for the confidence reposed in entrusting the ‘delicate’ matter to him.
“There is nothing more grievous than the peace of the land.”
Recommendation
Otumfuo in the report appealed to the Overlord of Mamprugu Kingdom, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai, to accept Asigri Abugrago Azoka as the Bawku Naba as stipulated by the Constitution and Supreme Court ruling.
His Majesty stated that traditional authorities no matter their power are not above the Constitution of Ghana and the laws duly enacted and affirmed by the courts.
“I recommend that my brother the Nayiri accepts the law as presently constituting Asigri Abugrago Azoka as chief of Bawku and head chief of the Kusasi Traditional Area.”
Meanwhile, the Asantehene proposed the return of Mr Seidu Abagre, to Nalerigu to be reassigned a new role by the overlord of Mamprugu, Tiduguma Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga.
Otumfuo noted that he also has the option of remaining in Bawku where he was purportedly enskinned Bawku Naba as an ordinary citizen.
His Majesty revealed that he had, from the inception, restrained both the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government and the current Mahama administration from effecting the arrest of Mr Abagre out of respect for his brother the Nayiri.
As part of his recommendations, Otumfuo called for the enforcement of the laws which recognises Asigri Abugrago Azoka.
This, Otumfuo noted, must be enforced by the government of the Republic of Ghana until there is a change in accordance with the 1992 Constitution or a review of the Supreme Court ruling.
The Asantehene further emphasised that the government deals sternly with anyone challenging the lawful authority of Asigri Abugrago Azoka.
“This is critical to the restoration and maintenance of peace in the Kusasi Traditional Area,” His Majesty said, adding that it was a requirement for the final resolution of the Bawku conflict.
The Bawku conflict has been protracted and intractable, dating back to the precolonial era.
Nayiri Acceptance of Reconciliation
A part of the report, quoting the Nayiri affirmed his acceptance of a reconciliation path.
“I have chosen the path of reconciliation not out of weakness but as a testament to Mamprugu’s strength, dignity and unwavering commitment to the well-being of all communities in the Bawku Traditional Area.”
Conflict
Post-independence Ghana has witnessed multiple shifts in government recognition of the Kusasi and Mamprusi claims to traditional authority over Bawku.
Changes in governments often altered official recognition, creating a cycle of instability and undermining conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
