Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have escorted Alhaji Seidu Abagre, the rival Mamprusi chief, out of Bawku Township in the Upper East Region, in line with recommendations from the mediation process led by Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday, 24 December, 2025, and confirmed by the Ministry of the Interior in a brief public statement.
Security officials explained that the move formed part of agreed steps intended to reduce tensions linked to the long-running Bawku chieftaincy conflict.
In its update, the ministry assured the public that the rival chief was protected throughout the process.
“This afternoon, personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces 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,” the statement said.
Following the removal, residents in parts of Bawku reported hearing sporadic gunshots.
However, there has been no official confirmation of injuries or casualties, and the authorities are yet to provide further details on the situation.
The Asantehene’s mediation committee had recommended that Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who was recently installed by the Mamprusi faction as a rival chief, be recalled to Nalerigu by the Nayiri, the Overlord of Mamprugu.
Under the proposal, he would be reassigned to a different traditional role at the Nayiri’s palace rather than remain in Bawku.
The report also gave him the option of staying in Bawku strictly as a private citizen, without presenting himself as a chief.
The recommendations were formally presented to President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House on 16 December.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has reiterated that the Supreme Court of Ghana has already settled the legal position, affirming Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba.
