Bawku peace closer - Mamprugu Overlord offers concessions
The Nayiri of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has offered to make some concessions in the Bawku conflict mediation efforts necessary to bring lasting peace to the area.
President John Dramani Mahama has, therefore, commended the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area for his "dignified and statesmanlike" role in mediating the protracted conflict in Bawku.
Speaking during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Nayiri at the Jubilee House yesterday, President Mahama revealed that the Nayiri had shown willingness to make concessions to resolve the conflict following collaborative discussions with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
"I was with His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, two days ago, and he briefed me on the cooperation you have given him in finding a final traditional solution to the conflict," President Mahama said.
"I commend you for the concessions you are willing to make to see lasting peace in Bawku,” he added.
The President pledged the government’s support to restore lasting peace in the troubled area.
He described Bawku, once a thriving commercial hub, as a "pale shadow of itself" due to the violence, which had displaced professionals and forced public workers to reject postings to the area.
He urged all stakeholders to expedite mediation efforts to restore normalcy.
President Mahama also praised the Nayiri’s advocacy for cultural preservation, linking it to youth empowerment, adding, "Our history and traditions are vital instruments for shaping our future."
Delegation
The Nayiri’s delegation comprised Mamprusi paramount chiefs, sub-chiefs, political appointees from the North East Region, and all Members of Parliament (MPs) from the region, cutting across the political divide.
They included the Mba Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Mba Akara Alhaji Nantomah Zakari and Mba Wudaana Alhaji Chimsi Gumah.
Others were Mba Maasu Issifu George Yahaya, and Gbangdaana Chief Adam Badimsuguru, among others.
The government side had the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, among other senior government officials.
Nayiri
The Nayiri is the spiritual leader of Mamprugu in the North East Region.
Nayiri literally means "chief's house" in the Mampruli language, but contextually refers to the king, who embodies the chieftaincy.
The Nayiri's palace, located in Nalerigu, is the traditional seat of the Mamprugu, and it is a centre for cultural activities.
Development
Beyond peacebuilding, President Mahama outlined key development projects for the North East Region, including plans to establish a public university to improve tertiary access.
He mentioned the completion of critical roads such as the Nalerigu-Gambaga-Walewali stretch and the Nakanduri-Kulungugu segment of the Eastern Corridor, alongside the long-delayed Michio Bridge.
In agriculture, the government will construct a modern rice mill in Janga to process local produce for the National Buffer Stock Company.
Health infrastructure will also see improvements, with new district hospitals in Yagaba and Chereponi, plus a regional hospital to reduce referrals to Tamale.
Additionally, the government will expand youth employment initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura Initiative, with plans to partner traditional councils for effective implementation.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by the Paramount Chief of Bongo Traditional Area in the Upper East Region, Bo-Naba Baba Salifu Lemyaarum, who led the delegation, the
Nayiri commended President Mahama for prioritising traditional conflict resolution mechanisms in addressing the Bawku crisis.
He lauded the President’s commitment to strengthening peace infrastructure in the country, describing it as a thoughtful approach to resolving long-standing disputes.
“Your resolve to support the nation’s peace infrastructure and use traditional solutions to resolve conflicts, especially in Bawku, is commendable and assuring,” he said.
The Mamprugu Overlord further praised the President’s leadership since taking office, noting that his administration’s policies had already begun fostering national development.
Naa Abdulai Sheriga emphasised that the government’s focus on dialogue and collaboration with traditional authorities demonstrated a deep understanding of Ghana’s governance dynamics.
The Nayiri also expressed strong support for the government’s Big Push initiative, describing it as a game-changer for regional development.
He stated that the planned road projects, including the Nalerigu-Gambaga-Walewale stretch and the Michio Bridge, would significantly improve connectivity and economic activity in the North East Region.
The Nayiri said such infrastructural investments aligned with the traditional council’s development vision.
He expressed optimism that the projects, once completed, would open up the region for trade, agriculture and tourism, ultimately improving livelihoods.
