By Ashiadey Dotse
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has declared that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azorka II is the lawful Bawku Naba, describing his recognition as the key step needed to restore lasting peace in Bawku.
Otumfuo made this known when he presented the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He said Ghana’s laws and court rulings clearly recognise Naa Asigri Abugrago Azorka II as the legitimate Bawku Naba and must be strictly enforced.
According to the Asantehene, no chief or traditional authority is above the Constitution or the decisions of the courts. He stressed that laws passed by Parliament and upheld by the Supreme Court remain binding until they are lawfully changed.
Otumfuo explained that the legal position on the Bawku chieftaincy has already been settled under PNDC Law 75, the 1992 Constitution, and several Supreme Court judgments. These laws recognise the Bawku Naba as the head chief with authority over the Kusasi traditional area.
He said attempts to challenge this position have been finally closed by the courts and should no longer be a source of dispute.
The Asantehene said his recommendations followed extensive consultations with the Nayiri of Mamprugu, Nayiri-Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Bawku Naba, and other traditional leaders, as part of efforts to end years of violence between Kusasi and Mamprusi groups.
While acknowledging the historical links of the Mamprugu Kingdom to parts of the Bawku area, Otumfuo said current legal realities make it impossible to pursue claims that go against settled law, especially concerning the Bawku skin.
He also revealed that the Nayiri has shown willingness to make concessions in the interest of peace, even though the decision was difficult. However, he stressed that any concession must respect the law and existing legal authority.
Otumfuo warned that failure to enforce the lawful status of the Bawku Naba continues to fuel insecurity in the area. He described the situation as a growing security threat that requires firm, lawful, and decisive action by the state.
