President John Dramani Mahama has told the Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Yiri, that Bawku, which was once a prosperous commercial centre, is now a pale shadow of itself due to the ongoing Bawku conflict.
John Mahama noted that the conflict in Bawku continues to pose a grave challenge to Ghana’s national peace and regional harmony.
According to John Mahama, the conflict has affected the Mamprusi, Kusasi, Moeshies, Hausas, and all other ethnic groups living in the area.
Speaking at the Jubilee House during a visit by a delegation from the Nayiri, John Mahama stated, “I cannot speak of peace and development in the North without touching on the situation in Bawku. The protracted conflict in Bawku continues to pose a grave challenge to our national peace and regional harmony.
Bawku, which has always been the booming and prosperous commercial centre, is now a pale shadow of itself. Nobody is happy about this situation. Youth move around on motorcycles with sophisticated assault rifles and fire indiscriminately.
The conflict has affected everyone, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Moeshies, Hausas, and all other ethnic groups living in the area. Many professionals have fled the area and public service workers are refusing postings to Bawku,” he said.
The president further commended the Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Yiri, saying, “I was with His Royal Majesty Nana Osei Tutu II two days ago, and he briefed me on the cooperation you have given him in finding a final traditional solution to the conflict,” Mahama said. “I commend you for the concessions you have been willing to make in order to seek lasting peace in Bawku.”
“Let me commend Your Royal Majesty for the dignified and statelike manner in which you have responded to these tensions. Your calm and reasonable voice has been a source of guidance to many, and I sincerely appreciate your commitment to peace.”
“I take this opportunity to humbly urge all stakeholders to speed up the mediation process so that peace can return to Bawku in order that residents can return to their normal lives as soon as possible,” he said.
John Mahama further reiterated his government to restoring lasting peace in Bawku.
He added, “Government remains resolute in restoring lasting peace and stability in Bawku. This includes enhancing the security presence, supporting conflict resolution mechanisms, and fostering deeper dialogue with all traditional, religious, and civic stakeholders.”
“I believe that peace in Bawku is a matter of national importance and that it requires our collective resolve so that justice will prevail and that we will resolve our issues by dialogue”
“I wish to assure you that the government will continue to rely on your wisdom and partnership in navigating these sensitive matters in a manner that upholds human dignity and preserves the unity of our people”, John Mahama reiterated.
Otumfuo mediation efforts
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, resumed mediation efforts between the two factions involved in the ongoing Bawku conflict.
The Manhyia Palace announced that the Asantehene resumed mediation efforts to address the Bawku conflict from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Also, the Asantehene met the Kusang Traditional Council on Monday, 30th June 2025, as part of the mediation efforts between the two factions involved in the ongoing Bawku conflict.
In a press statement issued on June 29, 2025 from the Manhyia Palace stated, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, will meet the Kusang Traditional Council on Monday, 30th June, 2025.
Background
There has been an escalation of violence following the resurgence of a long-standing chieftaincy conflict, sparked by the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile.
Abagre fled Bawku after an arrest warrant was issued against him following his contested installation as chief in Nalerigu. A High Court ruling in Kumasi on October 17, 2024, nullified the warrant, allowing him to resurface.
There have been several casualties, including the killing of children and families in the ongoing conflict in Bawku and along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway.
Despite intensified efforts by security forces to quell the unrest and safeguard commuters, armed assailants continue to unleash deadly attacks, deepening fear and uncertainty among residents and travellers in the region.
