The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre, the newly installed rival Mamprusi chief, from Bawku Township. The action followed recommendations in the mediation report by Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II, which seeks to resolve the protracted conflict in the area. A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the operation took place on Wednesday afternoon and that Seidu Abagre was safely placed under the custody of security agencies.
Posting on Facebook, the Ministry noted: “This afternoon, personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre from Bawku, in line with the recommendations of the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II mediation report on the Bawku matter. Alhaji Seidu Abagre is safe in the care of the security agencies.”
Following the chief’s removal, there were unconfirmed reports of sporadic gunfire in Bawku, which some say may have led to casualties. However, the Ministry has yet to release an official statement regarding any potential injuries or fatalities related to the clashes.
The move is part of a broader strategy by the government and traditional leaders to find a long-term solution to the Bawku conflict, which has seen tensions between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups. One of the key recommendations in the Otumfuo’s report was that Seidu Abagre, who was installed as a rival chief by the Mamprusi side, should return to Nalerigu.
The Otumfuo committee proposed that Abagre be reassigned to a traditional role at the Palace of the Nayiri, the Overlord of Mamprugu, or alternatively, if he remained in Bawku, he would have to do so as an ordinary citizen and not as the Bawku Naba (chief).
Presenting the mediation report, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II underscored that the lasting resolution of the Bawku conflict requires Mr. Seidu Abagre to be recalled to Nalerigu by the Nayiri, where he would be reassigned to another traditional role at the Nayiri’s Palace with support from the State.
Alternatively, he may remain in Bawku as an ordinary member of the community, but not in the capacity of Bawku Naba. The resolution was formally delivered to President John Dramani Mahama on December 16, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra.
Source: Metro Newsroom
