President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his intention to involve the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in efforts to resolve the ongoing Bawku conflict.
During his visit to the traditional seat of the overlord of Mamprugu, the Nalerigu Nayiri’s Palace, following his visit to the Bawku Naaba, Mahama appealed for patience from the King and Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga II, urging him and his subjects to trust that the situation would be addressed and resolved through collaborative efforts.
According to Mahama, he understands that the Nalerigu chief has been deeply troubled by the conflict in Bawku and Walewale.
President Mahama further explained that his visit to the region was his first official assignment to appeal to the Nalerigu chief to exercise restraint and patience, and to reassure him and his subjects that the issue will be resolved amicably.
“I know my father has not been sleeping because of what is happening in Bawku and Walewale and is giving him sleepless night and so during the campaign I made a promise that bringing peace will be one of my major priorities and so it is 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.”
“And so I just came to appeal to him, to exercise restraints and patients and his subjects to exercise restraints and patients and trust that we will resolve this matter amicably”
Mahama also emphasized that he is aware of the roles played by the Nalerigu Nayiri, Yaa Gbonwura, and Otumfuo in resolving the Dagbon conflict, and that he plans to engage Otumfuo in efforts to resolve the Bawku conflict.
“I know that he (Nalerigu Nayiri) and the late Yaa Gbonwura and Otumfuo were the ones who solved the Dagbon problems.
“Nana Addo gave me a hint that Otumfuo has been playing some role and so I’m supposed to be with Otumfuo on the 19th of this month, when I go is one of the issues I will discuss with him and whatever comes out of it, I will inform you”.
The president of Ghana further told the Overlord of Mamprugu that “In my last briefing with the Nana Akuffo Addo before he left office, he briefed me about some mediation efforts that they were undertaking and I wish to be able to discuss with him and see how we can continue that effort.”
