The Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has categorically rejected the chieftaincy mediation report presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, branding it “procedurally flawed” and “unilaterally imposed.”
In a three-page statement issued by the Mamprugu Traditional Council on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Nayiri distanced himself and his people from the document, which had been submitted to President John Dramani Mahama the previous day. The report contained recommendations on the long-running Bawku chieftaincy conflict, but the Nayiri insisted it did not reflect his engagements with the mediator.
“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,” he declared.
The Nayiri accused the process of abandoning mediation principles in favor of adjudication. He argued that although the Asantehene had described his role as mediator, the report went beyond that mandate by attempting to “pass judgment and prescribe measures for enforcement.”
He further revealed that no Terms of Reference were ever provided despite repeated requests, and lamented that parties were denied the opportunity to comment on or respond to the conclusions before they were finalized.
“To say that I feel betrayed, disappointed, and deeply hurt would be a grave understatement,” he wrote, describing the document as “replete with factual inaccuracies” and showing a “manifest imbalance” that sidelined Mamprugu’s case.
The Overlord strongly refuted a claim in the report that he had agreed to the continued recognition of Aninchema as Bawku Naba, calling it “entirely false.” He also expressed alarm at reports that President Mahama intended to issue a definitive government position within 24 hours based on the document.
“Such an approach, respectfully, will not advance the peace we all seek,” the Nayiri cautioned, urging the President to consult all parties before acting.
Reasserting Mamprugu’s position, the Nayiri was emphatic:
“Not even an inch of Mamprugu’s ancestral heritage will be ceded to anyone, especially through an unjust and clearly orchestrated process.”
He stressed that the mediation had ended in a “clear DEADLOCK” with no consensus, and under the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010, the report should have reflected that outcome rather than presenting final determinations.
The Nayiri concluded by reaffirming his dedication to peace and dialogue, but underscored that true stability must rest on justice.
“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,” he said.
He promised further engagements with Otumfuo and the Government, noting that a more comprehensive statement would be issued later
