GAF removes rival Mamprusi chief from Bawku in line with Otumfuo mediation report

Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre, the rival Mamprusi chief, from Bawku Township in the Upper East Region, in accordance with recommendations contained in the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II mediation report on the protracted Bawku conflict.

The Ministry of the Interior confirmed the action in a brief statement posted on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, December 24, indicating that Mr Abagre is safe and currently in the custody of security agencies.

According to the Ministry, the operation was carried out pursuant to the mediation report, which outlines measures aimed at restoring lasting peace in Bawku.

Following his removal, there were unconfirmed reports of sporadic gunshots in the area, with possible casualties. However, the Interior Ministry has not commented on these reports.

As part of efforts to resolve the long-standing chieftaincy dispute, the Otumfuo mediation committee recommended that Alhaji Seidu Abagre—who was recently installed by the Mamprusi side as a rival chief—be recalled to Nalerigu by the Overlord of Mamprugu, the Nayiri.

The committee further proposed that Mr Abagre be reassigned to perform a different traditional role at the Nayiri’s Palace in Nalerigu, rather than remain in Bawku as a chief. Alternatively, the report states that should he choose to stay in Bawku, he must do so strictly as a private citizen and not present himself as a chief.

Presenting the report, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized that a final resolution of the Bawku matter requires Mr Abagre’s recall and reassignment, or his decision to remain in Bawku solely as an ordinary citizen without laying claim to the Bawku skin.

The recommendations were formally presented to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, December 16. Otumfuo also reiterated that the legal position on the matter is settled, noting that the Supreme Court has affirmed Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba.