The Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Nayiri Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has formally rejected the Bawku mediation report presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, describing the process that produced it as flawed and unfair.
In a three-page statement dated Wednesday, December 17, 2025, and issued by the Mamprugu Traditional Council, the Nayiri distanced himself and his people from the report that was submitted to President John Dramani Mahama a day earlier.
The document contained recommendations aimed at resolving the long-running Bawku chieftaincy dispute.
According to the Nayiri, the report does not reflect his engagements with the mediator or the work of his duly constituted mediation team.
He accused the process of shifting from mediation to adjudication, contrary to the principles under which the talks were initiated.
He said the mediator had clearly stated his role was not to arbitrate, yet the report went on to make determinations and propose enforcement measures.
The Nayiri also raised concerns about the absence of clear Terms of Reference, noting that repeated requests by his team were not honoured.
Another major concern was that parties to the mediation were not allowed to review or respond to the conclusions before the report was presented as final.
He described the document as containing factual inaccuracies and presenting an unbalanced account that favoured one narrative while sidelining Mamprugu’s position.
“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 stated.
He specifically denied claims that he had agreed to the continued recognition of Aninchema as Bawku Naba, describing that assertion as false.
While reaffirming his commitment to peace, the Nayiri urged the government to engage all parties fully, warning that imposed outcomes would not bring lasting stability.
Below is the full statement
