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, and announced the establishment of a GH¢1 billion fund to support recovery and development in the conflict-affected area.
In a statement issued on December 17, 2025, and signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government said President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to set up the Bawku Revitalisation Fund to help restore peace, stability and economic activity in Bawku and surrounding communities.
GH¢1bn Fund to Be Disbursed Over Three Years
According to the statement, the GH¢1 billion fund will be disbursed over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028. The resources will be channelled into the reconstruction and development of priority infrastructure, including roads, schools, health facilities, dams and irrigation systems to support year-round agriculture, security installations and commercial facilities.
The government said the objective is to restore Bawku’s long-standing status as a major economic and trading hub in northern Ghana, following years of instability that have disrupted livelihoods and stalled development.
Full Acceptance of Mediation Findings
The statement stressed that government has accepted all the findings and recommendations contained in the mediation report and will implement them without delay. It reaffirmed the position of the law, as upheld by the Supreme Court, that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba, adding that no individual or group is permitted to challenge his authority or legitimacy.
On the status of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who was installed by the Nayiri as a rival claimant to the Bawku skin in February 2023, the government said it has accepted the Asantehene’s recommendation for his recall. Alhaji Abagre is to be recalled to Nalerigu by the Nayiri, the Overlord of Mamprugu, to assume another traditional role, with the support of the state.
The government said it will immediately facilitate his safe movement to Nalerigu, where he is expected to remain available to receive directives from the Nayiri.
Oversight and Continued Reconciliation
The statement also indicated that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been requested to continue offering guidance to subsequent reconciliation efforts aimed at improving relations between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.
Management of the Bawku Revitalisation Fund will be overseen by a committee chaired by the Minister for Finance, Mr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who also serves as Acting Minister for Defence. Other members include the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Donaltus Akamuguri, and the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mr Mahama Ayariga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and will represent MPs from the area.
Call for Unity and Restraint
Acknowledging the significant human, social and economic losses caused by the prolonged conflict, the government noted that years of insecurity have discouraged both public and private investment while delaying critical infrastructure projects.
The statement appealed to traditional authorities, political leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, religious bodies, development partners and residents to support the peace process with restraint and unity.
Reiterating the Asantehene’s position, the government emphasised that the mediation process produces no winners or losers, and urged all parties to accept and abide by the conclusions of the report in the interest of national stability.
A Roadmap to Lasting Peace
According to the statement, the report does not seek to assign blame or declare victory, but rather provides a clear roadmap towards lasting peace. The mediation process, which lasted two and a half years, was initiated under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and continued under President Mahama, with both NPP and NDC administrations agreeing that Otumfuo’s recommendations would be binding.
The Bawku chieftaincy dispute, largely between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups over the right to occupy the Bawku skin, has for decades resulted in recurring violence, loss of lives and persistent security challenges in the Upper East Region.
Government said its endorsement of the mediation report and the steps outlined to implement its recommendations signal a renewed and decisive effort to end the long-running conflict and restore peace, development and economic confidence to Bawku and its neighbouring communities.
