The Government of Ghana has formally endorsed the findings and recommendations of the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, describing it as a decisive roadmap toward lasting peace, reconciliation and stability in the conflict-prone municipality.
The endorsement was contained in an official statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, and signed by the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
According to the statement, the government carefully reviewed and deliberated on the mediation report after its presentation on December 16, 2025, and reached a unanimous position to accept all its findings and recommendations in full.
“The Report constitutes a comprehensive, fact-based, and forward-looking roadmap aimed exclusively at achieving lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in Bawku and its surrounding areas. It is not intended to apportion blame or confer victory on any party”.
Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu
Central to government’s position is a clear reaffirmation of the legal status of the Bawku chieftaincy. The statement reiterated that the Supreme Court of Ghana has consistently upheld Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba, and that his authority and legitimacy cannot be contested under any circumstances.
Government emphasised that respect for this legal position is essential to restoring order and ending years of uncertainty surrounding traditional leadership in the area. In line with the mediation report, government also accepted the recommendation concerning Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who was installed as a rival claimant to the Bawku skin.
The statement indicated that he is to be recalled to Nalerigu by the Nayiri, the Overlord of Mamprugu, to assume an alternative traditional role. The government committed itself to facilitating this process, including ensuring the safe movement of Alhaji Abagre to Nalerigu, where he will remain available to receive directives from the Nayiri.
Beyond the immediate chieftaincy matters, government appealed to the Asantehene to continue playing a guiding role in the next phase of reconciliation. It respectfully requested Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to lend his moral authority and leadership to ongoing efforts aimed at fostering enduring peace and harmonious coexistence between the two communities.
The statement acknowledged that reconciliation would require sustained engagement, dialogue and goodwill beyond the conclusions of the mediation itself. The government also turned attention to the deep socio-economic damage caused by years of violence and insecurity in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
It acknowledged that the prolonged conflict has led to significant human, social, and economic losses, disrupting livelihoods, weakening social cohesion, and stalling development. Persistent insecurity, the statement noted, has discouraged both public and private investment and delayed critical infrastructure projects.
One Billion Ghana Cedi Bawku Revitalisation Fund
In response, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the establishment of a One Billion Ghana Cedi Bawku Revitalisation Fund to support reconstruction and development.
The fund, which will be disbursed over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028, is intended to restore Bawku’s infrastructure base and revive its historic role as a major commercial and trading hub in northern Ghana.
According to the statement, priority areas under the fund will include road networks, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, irrigation and dam projects to support year-round agriculture, security installations, and economic and commercial facilities.
The government said these investments are necessary not only to rebuild what has been lost but also to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce the underlying pressures that have fueled instability.
The Bawku Revitalisation 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 of the committee include the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donaltus Akamuguri, and the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, who will represent Members of Parliament from the affected area. The government said the composition of the committee reflects both national oversight and strong local representation.
In its concluding remarks, government issued a nationwide call for support for the peace-building process. Traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners and citizens were urged to embrace the mediation outcomes in a spirit of unity, restraint and patriotism.
The statement echoed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s admonition that there are no winners and no losers in the process, only a shared responsibility to secure peace and national stability.
Government also expressed profound gratitude to the Asantehene, the Nayiri, the Bawku Naba, and all individuals and institutions whose cooperation and goodwill contributed to the success of what it described as a historic mediation effort.
According to the Presidency, faithful implementation of the report’s recommendations now offers Ghana a real opportunity to close a painful chapter and build a peaceful, prosperous future for Bawku.
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