The Overlord of Mamprugu has accused the government of unconstitutional interference in chieftaincy affairs, warning that his people will not be forced to abandon their customs through what he describes as political coercion.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Mamprugu Traditional Council condemned the arrest of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, known in Mamprugu tradition as Naa Sheriga, who was enskinned by the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II, in February 2023 as Bawku Naaba.
The Council said it was alarmed by the circumstances surrounding the arrest, during which two Mamprugu natives were killed, as well as the subsequent arrest of Alhaji Abdul Majeed Inusah Badigamsira, an executive member of the Mamprugu Youth Association, at his home in Gbimsi on 23 December.
According to the statement, the actions of state authorities amounted to intimidation and were driven by political considerations rather than respect for the constitution or customary law.
The Nayiri rejected any suggestion that the arrest or removal of Naa Sheriga from Bawku amounted to a loss of his status as chief, insisting that only Mamprugu custom determines enskinment or removal.
“Arrest, detention or forced relocation does not in any way constitute dis-enskinment,” the statement said, adding that even in the event of Naa Sheriga’s death in custody, Mamprugu tradition would continue to recognise him as a legitimate chief.
The Overlord said he alone retained the authority to appoint and enskin a successor, without consultation or approval from the state.
He warned that the use of security forces, arrests and intimidation would only deepen mistrust and worsen tensions in Bawku and surrounding areas, rather than foster peace.
The statement also criticised ongoing mediation efforts over the Bawku chieftaincy dispute, describing them as flawed and politically influenced. The Nayiri explicitly rejected the mediation report and recommendations submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, including those associated with the Asantehene.
Calling for a reset, the Mamprugu leader urged the government to withdraw from chieftaincy matters and uphold constitutional boundaries.
“I call on the government of Ghana to immediately cease all unconstitutional interference in chieftaincy affairs and realign its actions with the rule of law, respect for traditional authority and the demands of genuine peacebuilding,” he said.
The Nayiri concluded with a firm message to the state: the people of Mamprugu, he said, remain resolute and will not surrender their heritage or customs to political pressure.
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