President John Dramani Mahama has recognised the cooperation and efforts of Naa-Yiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, towards finding a lasting solution to the protracted conflict in Bawku.
The President expressed this commendation during a courtesy call from a delegation of Chiefs from Mamprugu, led by Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Alemyaruun, the Paramount Chief of Bongo, at the Presidency on Thursday.
The delegation conveyed the Naa-Yiri’s congratulations to President Mahama on his emphatic victory in the 2024 general election.
Addressing the delegation, President Mahama expressed his profound concern about the devastating impact of the conflict on Bawku, which was once a thriving commercial hub.
“Bawku, which has always been a booming and prosperous commercial centre, is now a pale shadow of itself. Nobody is happy about this situation,” he stated.
He highlighted the alarming security situation, noting that “some youth in Bawku periodically move around on motorcycles with sophisticated assault rifles and firing indiscriminately,” posing a grave challenge to national peace and regional harmony.
This instability, he added, has affected all ethnic groups—Mamprusis, Kusasis, Bisas, Mossis, Hausas, and others—forcing professionals to flee and public service workers to refuse postings to the area.
President Mahama specifically praised the dignified and statesmanlike approach of both traditional leaders in their pursuit of peace.
“Your Royal Majesty, I cannot speak of peace and development in the North without touching on the situation in Bawku,” the President emphasised, addressing the Naa-Yiri through his delegation.
“Let me commend Your Royal Majesty for the dignified and statesmanlike manner in which you have responded to these tensions. Your calm and reasonable voice has been a source of guidance to many, and I sincerely appreciate your commitment to peace.”
“I commend you for the concessions you are willing to make in order to see lasting peace in Bawku,” he remarked, urging all stakeholders to “speed up the mediation process so that peace can return to Bawku so that residents can return to their normal lives as soon as possible.”
The President reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to exploring all possible means to protect lives and property in Bawku. This includes enhancing security presence, bolstering conflict resolution mechanisms, and fostering deeper dialogue with all traditional, religious, and civic stakeholders.
“We believe that peace in Bawku is a matter of national importance and that it requires our collective resolve so that justice will prevail and that we will resolve issues by dialogue,” he affirmed.
President Mahama described the Mamprugu Kingdom as a pillar of stability, tradition, and national conscience. He acknowledged the Naa-Yiri’s visionary leadership as an inspiration to his people and the nation, pledging the government’s readiness to work collaboratively to realise Mamprugu’s full development potential through enhanced infrastructure in education, health care, agriculture, roads, bridges, and job creation.
“Let us build a future of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity for all,” President Mahama concluded.
