President Mahama reaffirms commitment to peacebuilding during visit to Nayiri
President John Dramani Mahama visited the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, at his palace in Nalerigu on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
The visit, Mahama's first major assignment outside Accra since his inauguration for his second term, was part of his efforts to address ongoing conflicts in the Bawku and Wale Wale areas.
At the meeting, President Mahama acknowledged Nayiri’s significant role in fostering peace in northern Ghana and assured him of his administration’s commitment to resolving the protracted conflicts.
“I came here during the campaign to seek the blessings of my father for the elections that were impending. Two of his sons were contesting for the same thing. Whichever of us won, it’s a victory for him. And so as his son, I brought the victory to him,” Mahama said.
The President emphasized that the ongoing conflicts in Bawku and Wale Wale were causing the Nayiri sleepless nights, which made addressing these issues a top priority for his government.
“Bringing peace will be one of my major priorities. It’s exactly one week since I was sworn in, and this is my first major assignment out of Accra. It shows how important this matter is to me,” he added.
President Mahama appealed to Nayiri and his subjects for patience as his government took steps to continue mediation efforts.
He disclosed that during his transition briefing with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he was informed about ongoing mediation efforts involving prominent traditional leaders, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
President Mahama acknowledged former President Akufo-Addo’s role in initiating dialogue and expressed his intent to build on that foundation.
“Akufo-Addo briefed me about some mediation efforts, and I wish to discuss them with Otumfuo when I meet him on the 19th of this month. Whatever comes out of it, I will inform my father [the Nayiri].”
Mr Mahama lauded the historic peace process in Dagbon, which was facilitated by the late Yagbonwura, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Nayiri himself, as a testament to the power of collaboration.
He expressed optimism that similar strategies could be employed to resolve the current disputes.
The Nayiri, in response, commended Mahama for prioritising peace and reiterated his readiness to support any initiative aimed at bringing lasting harmony to the region.
The conflicts in Bawku and Wale Wale have been marked by long-standing tensions over chieftaincy disputes and land ownership, leading to sporadic violence and loss of lives.
Watch the video of the encounter: