Government Endorses Otumfuo’s Bawku Mediation Report, Announces GH¢1 Billion Revitalisation Fund

Accra, December 17, 2025 — The Government of Ghana has formally endorsed and accepted the findings and recommendations of the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report presented by the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, describing it as a comprehensive and forward-looking roadmap towards lasting peace and stability in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

In an official statement issued by the Presidency Communications and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government said it had carefully reviewed the report submitted on December 16, 2025, and fully aligned itself with its conclusions in the interest of national cohesion, constitutional order, and the rule of law.

The statement reaffirmed the government’s unequivocal recognition of Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba, in line with consistent Supreme Court rulings. It stressed that no individual or group is permitted, under any circumstance, to challenge his authority or legitimacy.

Government also 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. According to the statement, the state will immediately facilitate his safe movement to Nalerigu, where he will remain available to receive directives from the Nayiri.

President John Dramani Mahama further requested Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue providing leadership and moral authority to subsequent reconciliation efforts aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.

Acknowledging the severe human, social, and economic toll of the prolonged conflict, government announced a major socio-economic intervention to restore livelihoods and development in the area. The President has directed the Minister for Finance to establish a One Billion Ghana Cedi (GH¢1 billion) Bawku Revitalisation Fund to be disbursed over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028.

The fund will support the reconstruction and development of priority infrastructure, including roads, healthcare, education, dams and irrigation facilities, security installations, and economic and commercial facilities, with the aim of restoring 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 for Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who also serves as Acting Minister for Defence. Other members include the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri, and the Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, representing Members of Parliament from the area.

The government concluded with a call for national support, urging traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners, and the general public to support the peace-building process in a spirit of unity and restraint.

Reiterating Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s admonition that there are “no winners and no losers” in the process, President Mahama called on all parties to faithfully abide by the conclusions of the mediation report in the supreme interest of peace and national stability.

Government also expressed profound gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Nayiri, the Bawku Naba, and all stakeholders whose cooperation and commitment contributed to what it described as a historic mediation process.