Soldiers remove rival Mamprusi chief Seidu Abagre from Bawku after Otumfuo mediation

Personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre from Bawku on December 24, 2025.

In a brief statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior, the government confirmed that the action was taken in line with the mediation report submitted to President John Dramani Mahama by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, a few days earlier.

The Ministry assured the public that Alhaji Seidu Abagre is safe and currently in the custody of security officials.

In his report, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated explicitly that the Supreme Court ruling recognising Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba must be strictly respected and enforced.

The Asantehene emphasised that no leader, regardless of status, is above the 1992 Constitution, stressing the supremacy of the law in resolving the protracted chieftaincy dispute.

He urged the government to take firm action against any individual challenging the authority of Naba Azoka II, noting that strict enforcement of the law is critical to restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

“We chiefs, no matter how exalted, do not live above the Constitution of Ghana and the laws duly enacted and affirmed by the courts,” he stated.

“The final recommendation, Mr President, is that my brother, the Nayiri, should accept the laws as presently constituted, recognising Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the chief of Bawku and head chief of the Kusasi traditional area,” the Asantehene added.

Acting on these recommendations, the government moved to remove the Mamprugu leader, who had recently expressed dissatisfaction with the findings of the mediation report.

The statement from the Ministry of the Interior concluded, “This afternoon, personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre from Bawku, pursuant to the recommendations of the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II mediation report regarding the Bawku affair. Alhaji Seidu Abagre is safe in the care of the security agencies.”