The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has outlined key recommendations in his mediation report on the long-running Bawku conflict, describing them as essential steps toward restoring lasting peace in Bawku and the wider Kusasi traditional area.
The report was formally presented to President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Jubilee House.
Central to the Asantehene’s recommendations is his position that the enskinment of Mr. Seidu Abagare as Bawku Naba cannot be sustained, citing serious national and international security implications.
According to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, he has engaged the Nayiri on the need to accept the position of the law in the interest of peace and longstanding ties between their traditional authorities.
“I have impressed upon my brother Nayiri to accept that recognition by law, in appreciation of the enduring brotherhood between our two kingdoms, to ensure lasting peace and eliminate the national and international security threats he himself is concerned about,” the Asantehene stated.
He added that he had been frank with the Nayiri that the purported enskinment of Mr. Seidu Abagare as Bawku Naba could not stand, expressing confidence that the Nayiri understands the challenges this poses to achieving lasting peace.
The Asantehene further recommended that no government should arrest Seidu Abagare, out of respect for the Nayiri. Instead, he suggested that Abagare could either be recalled to Nalerigu to assume another traditional role at the Nayiri’s palace with state support, or remain in Bawku as a private citizen, but without assuming the title of Bawku Naba.
He also urged the Nayiri to uphold the law by recognising Asigri Abugrago Azorka as the legitimate Bawku Naba and head of the Kusasi traditional area.
“I recommend that my brother Nayiri accepts the law as it presently stands, recognising Asigri Abugrago Azorka as the chief of Bawku and head chief of the Kusasi traditional area,” he said. “No chief, no matter how exalted, stands above the Constitution of Ghana or the laws duly enacted and affirmed by the courts.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed that the government must enforce the law and take firm action against anyone who challenges the lawful authority of Asigri Abugrago Azorka, describing this as critical to restoring and sustaining peace in the Kusasi traditional area.
