Nayiri Rejects Otumfuo Mediation Report, Stresses Procedural Flaws and Mamprugu’s Rights

His Royal Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga I, the Nayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu, has issued a formal and unequivocal rejection of the so-called mediation report presented by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II concerning the long-standing Bawku Chieftaincy Dispute.

In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, the Nayiri expressed profound disappointment and grave concern over the report, asserting that it does not reflect his engagements with Otumfuo or those of his mediation team. He described the report and its recommendations as procedurally flawed, legally unsustainable, and wholly unacceptable to the people of Mamprugu.

“The so-called report and recommendations do not constitute a valid mediation, and any attempt to present it as binding or to seek government enforcement is legally untenable, procedurally flawed, and constitutionally impermissible,” the Nayiri stated.

According to the Nayiri, Otumfuo’s role was expressly that of a mediator, not an arbitrator, yet the document purports to issue judgements and prescribe measures for enforcement actions inconsistent with the nature of mediation. Despite repeated requests by the Mamprugu mediation team, no terms of reference were provided, leaving the process without clear guidelines.

The Nayiri emphasised that any mediation report must faithfully reflect the positions of all parties, highlight agreements and disagreements, and document consensual outcomes achieved through dialogue.

He argued that the report presented by Otumfuo substitutes the mediator’s personal opinions for the negotiated positions of the parties, abandoning mediation in favour of adjudication, a role for which Otumfuo has no jurisdiction.

The statement further highlighted numerous procedural and factual concerns with the report:

• The Mamprugu people were not afforded an opportunity to comment on or respond to the findings.
• The report selectively relied on committee documents and court rulings rather than following a traditional, consultative approach.
• It contained factual inaccuracies and personal assertions attributed to the mediator, while almost entirely omitting Mamprugu’s perspective.
• Assertions suggesting that the Nayiri agreed to the continued recognition of Aninchema as Bawku Naba were described as entirely false.

His Majesty expressed dismay at reports that the government intended to take a definitive position based on the report within 24 hours, cautioning that such an approach would not promote lasting peace.

He called on President Mahama to engage fully with all parties and the mediator before acting on the document.

The Nayiri stressed that Mamprugu’s ancestral heritage would not be ceded through an unjust and orchestrated process. He clarified that the mediation ended in a deadlock, with no consensus reached, and that the Mamprugu side had made concessions in good faith, which were rejected outright by the Kusasi side.

“I stand firmly for peace and shall continue to pursue that path. However, peace cannot and will not be built upon injustice,” the Nayiri declared.

He urged the people of Mamprugu to remain calm, law-abiding, and united as the dispute continues.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to peace, dialogue, and stability, stressing that any sustainable resolution must be transparent, impartial, and rooted in law, history, and the dignity of all traditional authorities.

The Nayiri also signalled that he would continue engagement with Otumfuo and the Government of Ghana and promised a comprehensive statement in due course.

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