Otumfuor mediation report triggers Alhaji Abagre’s removal from Bawku

The Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre from Bawku, acting on recommendations contained in the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II mediation report.

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, confirmed the operation in a signed statement issued on December 24, 2025, stressing that the action formed part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the area.

“This afternoon, personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre from Bawku, pursuant to the recommendations of the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II mediation report regarding the Bawku affair,” the Minister stated.

He assured the public that the individual involved was not harmed in the process and remains under state protection. “Alhaji Seidu Abagre is safe in the care of the security agencies,” Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said, seeking to allay concerns about his safety and wellbeing.

Last week, during a visit to the Jubilee House, The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said lasting peace in Bawku required acknowledging concessions already made by the Nayiri and embracing a consensual traditional leadership arrangement.

Presenting his mediation report on the protracted Bawku conflict to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Tuesday evening, the Asantehene stressed that his role was not to apportion blame but to present facts to advance peace.

The Asantehene revealed that the Nayiri had taken a difficult but principled decision in the interest of peace.

According to the Asantehene, the Nayiri has outlined proposals forming the basis of engagement with both sides.

“If a common ground emerges, it will enable them reach an amicable solution,” he explained, recommending acceptance of the Head of the Kusasi as Bawku Chief as part of the peace framework.

The Bawku conflict is a long-running chieftaincy and ethnic dispute primarily involving Mamprusi and Kusasi groups, with roots in colonial-era administrative decisions and competing claims to traditional authority.