Government endorses Otumfuo’s Bawku mediation report, announces GHS1bn revitalisation fund

The Government of Ghana has formally endorsed and accepted all the findings and recommendations contained in the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on December 16, 2025.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, December 17, and signed by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government said its decision reflects an unwavering commitment to peace, constitutional order, the rule of law and national unity.

According to the statement, the government considers the mediation report a comprehensive and forward-looking roadmap aimed solely at restoring lasting peace, reconciliation and stability in Bawku and surrounding areas, stressing that it was not intended to assign blame or declare winners and losers.

Government reaffirmed the long-standing position of the law, as upheld by the Supreme Court, that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba, and that his authority cannot be challenged under any circumstances.

It also accepted the recommendation that Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who was installed as a rival claimant, be recalled to Nalerigu by the Nayiri to assume an alternative traditional role, with full facilitation and support from the state. Government said it will immediately ensure the safe relocation of Alhaji Abagre to Nalerigu, where he will await further directives from the Nayiri.

The government further appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to continue providing leadership and moral guidance to ongoing reconciliation efforts between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.

Acknowledging the severe human, social and economic toll of the prolonged conflict, the statement noted that years of insecurity have hampered investment and stalled infrastructure development in the area. In response, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to establish a GHS1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund.

The fund, to be disbursed over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028, will support the reconstruction and development of key infrastructure, including roads, health and education facilities, irrigation and dam projects, security installations, and economic and commercial infrastructure, with the aim of restoring Bawku as a major trading and economic centre in northern Ghana.

Management of the fund will be overseen by a high-level committee chaired by the Minister for Finance and Acting Minister for Defence, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. Other members include the Upper East Regional Minister, Donaltus Akamuguri, and the Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, who will represent MPs from the area.

The government called on traditional leaders, political actors, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners and the general public to support the peace and reconciliation process in a spirit of unity, restraint and patriotism.

Reiterating Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s position that there are no victors or losers in the mediation, President Mahama urged all parties to accept and comply with the report’s conclusions in the supreme interest of national peace and stability.

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