Nalerigu, Ghana – In a continued effort to address long-standing conflicts in Ghana, the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the protracted disputes in Bawku and Walewale during a peace-building mission on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
A key highlight of the visit was President Mahama’s engagement with Tiduguma Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, the King of Mamprugu and President of the North East Regional House of Chiefs, at his Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu.
Expressing Concern Over the Conflicts
The President voiced his concerns over the unrest in Bawku and Walewale, acknowledging the toll it has taken on the Nayiri and the people of the region.
“I know that my father has not been sleeping because of what is happening in Bawku and what is happening in Walewale, and so it is giving him sleepless nights,” President Mahama stated.
He also reiterated the promise he made during his campaign to make peace in Bawku a top priority, emphasizing the significance of his visit as his first major assignment outside Accra since being sworn into office a week earlier.
“And so during the campaign, I made a promise: bringing peace will be one of my major priorities. And so it’s exactly one week since I was sworn in, and this is my first major assignment outside Accra—it shows how important this matter is to me,” he said.
Call for Patience and Unity
President Mahama appealed to Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga and his subjects for patience, assuring them that efforts are underway to form his government, which will include appointments of key officials to address the conflict.
“And so I just came to appeal to him to exercise restraint and patience, and his subjects to exercise restraint and patience and trust that we will resolve this matter amicably.
I am in the process of forming my government, and so we are still appointing the ministers. They will come and help me run the administration, and so I’m just appealing to my father that he should exercise patience while I set up the government,” he explained.
Plans for Dialogue and Collaboration
The President revealed his intention to invite Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga for a formal dialogue once his government is fully established.
“As soon as that is done, we might have to invite my father, but I cannot sit in Accra and invite him. I have to come and alert him in advance that an invitation like that will come,” he said.
He further mentioned that during his final briefing with the outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, he was informed about ongoing mediation efforts.
President Mahama expressed his desire to build on those initiatives in collaboration with the Nayiri.
“In my last briefing with Nana Akufo-Addo before he left office, he briefed me about some invitation efforts that they were undertaking. I wish to be able to discuss it with him before and see how we can continue that effort,” he said.
Upcoming Meeting with Asantehene
President Mahama hinted at an upcoming meeting with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on January 19, where the Bawku conflict will be a key agenda item.
He acknowledged Otumfuo’s instrumental role in previous conflict resolution efforts.
“I know that he (Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga), the late Yagbonwura, and Otumfuo were the ones who solved the Dagbon problem. Nana Addo gave me a hint that Otumfuo has been playing some role, and so I am supposed to be with Otumfuo on the 19th of this month. So when I go, it’s one of the issues I will discuss with him. And whatever comes out of it, I will inform my father (Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga),” he assured.
Gratitude and Well-Wishes
President Mahama concluded his visit by thanking Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga for his guidance and wisdom, wishing him good health and long life to continue providing leadership and protection to the people of Mamprugu and beyond.
“So I thank him very much, and I wish him good health. May God continue to give him long life so that he will stay to look after us,” he said.
This visit underscores President Mahama’s dedication to fostering unity, dialogue, and collaborative efforts in resolving the conflicts that have long plagued the Bawku and Walewale areas.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
