The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has affirmed that he will not allow himself to be drawn into public commentary on the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy dispute.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament on Friday, Mr Ayariga, who is also the MP for Bawku Central, explained that his deliberate silence was intended to prevent escalating tensions while the mediation team led by Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II engaged with key stakeholders to resolve the conflict.
“My restraint is a conscious effort to safeguard peace in Bawku,” he said, adding that he had intentionally stayed away from his constituency to avoid making statements that could inflame passions or worsen the situation.
Mr Ayariga emphasized his commitment to ensuring that parliamentary business remains focused on national development, while sensitive local matters are handled through proper mediation channels.
The Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II mediation team recently reaffirmed Asigri Abugurago Azoka II as the legitimate Bawku Naba and recommended that rival chief Seidu Abagre be recalled to Nalerigu for another traditional role. The team also called on the government to support the enforcement of peace.
While the Mamprugu Overlord (Nayiri) rejected the report, the Ghanaian government officially accepted the recommendations as a framework for reconciliation in the troubled area.
