The Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, the Nayiri Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has formally and unequivocally rejected a chieftaincy mediation report presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, describing it as “procedurally flawed” and “unilaterally imposed.”
In a strongly-worded three-page statement dated Wednesday, December 17, 2025, released by the Mamprugu Traditional Council, the Nayiri distanced himself and his people from the report, which contained recommendations on the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy dispute submitted to President John Dramani Mahama a day earlier.
The Nayiri said the report does not reflect his engagements with the mediator, accusing the process of abandoning the principles of mediation in favor of adjudication.
“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.
He outlined several reasons for rejecting the document, chief among them that the mediator, who had explicitly described his role as a facilitator rather than an arbitrator, had purportedly “passed judgment and prescribed measures for enforcement,” which the Nayiri argued is inconsistent with mediation.
The Nayiri also said no formal Terms of Reference were provided despite requests from his team, and he expressed disappointment that the parties were not allowed to comment on or respond to the conclusions before the report was presented as final.
“To say that I feel betrayed, disappointed, and deeply hurt would be a grave understatement,” he wrote, alleging the report contained “factual inaccuracies” and showed a “manifest imbalance” favoring one side while omitting Mamprugu’s case.
He specifically denied claims in the report that he agreed to the continued recognition of Aninchema as Bawku Naba, calling them “entirely false.” He also expressed concern over reports that President Mahama planned 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 stated, urging full engagement with all parties before any action is taken.
Asserting Mamprugu’s stance, the Nayiri emphasized, “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 ended in a “clear DEADLOCK” with no consensus and that any report should have reflected this fact under the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010, rather than presenting final determinations.
The Bawku chieftaincy dispute, a long-standing conflict primarily between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups over traditional authority, has fueled tension and sporadic violence in the Upper East Region for decades.
The Nayiri concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peace but insisted it must be grounded in 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, promising further engagement with Otumfuo and the Government and a more comprehensive statement to follow.
