The Nayiri of Mamprugu, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has strongly rejected the mediation report on the Bawku dispute, delivered by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Describing the document as “procedurally flawed” and “unilaterally imposed,” the Overlord of Mamprugu distanced himself and the Mamprugu Traditional Council from the report presented to former President John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement released on December 17, 2025, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga made it clear that the report and its recommendations did not reflect his engagements with Otumfuo or those of his duly constituted mediation team. He emphasized, "I must state clearly and without reservation that the so-called report and recommendations do not reflect my engagements with Otumfuo, nor those of my duly constituted mediation team."
The Nayiri expressed concern that the mediator had overstepped his role by “passing judgment and prescribing measures for enforcement,” which he argued was incompatible with the neutral role of a mediator. He further pointed out that the mediation lacked formal Terms of Reference, and that the involved parties were not given an opportunity to comment on the conclusions before the report was finalized.
“To say that I feel betrayed, disappointed, and deeply hurt would be a grave understatement,” the Nayiri wrote, accusing the report of containing “factual inaccuracies” and presenting a “manifest imbalance” that favored one side while omitting Mamprugu’s position.
A key point of contention was the claim that the Nayiri had agreed to the continued recognition of Aninchema as Bawku Naba, which he categorically rejected as “entirely false.” He warned that acting on the report without further consultation could jeopardize the fragile peace in the region.
“Such an approach, respectfully, will not advance the peace we all seek,” the Nayiri stated. He further emphasized that Mamprugu would not relinquish any ancestral heritage through an unjust process, highlighting that the mediation had reached a “clear DEADLOCK.”
Despite his objections to the report, the Nayiri reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue and the pursuit of lasting peace in the Upper East Region. He concluded, “I remain fully committed to peace, dialogue, and stability in Bawku and the wider Mamprugu area. However, peace must be founded on law, history, fairness, and consent, not on imposed outcomes.” The Nayiri also assured the public of his continued engagement with Otumfuo and the government in the pursuit of a just resolution.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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