The Nayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu, has formally rejected the mediation report presented by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on the long-running Bawku Chieftaincy Dispute, describing it as procedurally flawed, legally untenable, and unacceptable to the people of Mamprugu.
In a strongly worded statement dated December 16, 2025, the Nayiri said he and the people of Mamprugu “unequivocally distance” themselves from what he described as a “so-called mediation report and recommendations” submitted by Otumfuo to President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the Nayiri, the document does not reflect his engagements with Otumfuo or those of his duly constituted mediation team.
He stressed that Otumfuo had expressly acted as a mediator, not an arbitrator, and therefore had no authority to issue binding recommendations or judgments.
“The purported report does 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 statement said.
The Nayiri outlined several grounds for rejecting the report. He noted that no Terms of Reference were ever provided for the mediation process, despite repeated formal requests by his team.
He also questioned how a mediator could arrive at determinations and call for their enforcement without giving the parties an opportunity to be heard on the reasoning behind such conclusions.
He further stated that Mamprugu was never invited to comment on or respond to the conclusions said to have been reached, adding that any deliberations leading to the report were conducted without its knowledge, participation, or consent.
The Nayiri argued that a proper mediation report should reflect the positions of all parties, identify areas of agreement and disagreement, and record only outcomes reached by consensus.
He said the document instead substituted the mediator’s personal opinions for negotiated positions, effectively abandoning mediation for an adjudicative role “for which no jurisdiction exists.”
Describing the recommendations as a unilateral determination imposed without due process, the Nayiri said they violated the principles of natural justice, including the right of all parties to be heard.
He also accused the report of containing factual inaccuracies, selectively relying on committee reports and court decisions, and presenting a narrative heavily skewed in favour of one party while largely omitting Mamprugu’s case.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is entirely false to suggest that I ever agreed to the continued recognition of Aninchema as Bawku Naba,” the Nayiri stated.
The Nayiri expressed particular concern that neither party to the mediation was present when the report was presented, even as it is being portrayed as having their acceptance.
He questioned why mandated representatives of the parties were excluded while other organisations were selectively invited.
Describing his reaction as one of deep betrayal and disappointment, the Nayiri also expressed alarm at reports that government may issue a definitive position within 24 hours based on the document.
“Such an approach will not advance the peace we all seek,” he cautioned, urging President Mahama to engage fully with all parties and the mediator before taking any action based on what he described as a deeply flawed report.
The Nayiri concluded by warning that he would not remain passive in the face of what he believes is a pre-determined process designed to prejudice Mamprugu, despite its consistent commitment to peace.
Find the press release below;
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
About The Author
