"We believe that peace in Bawku is a matter of national importance and that it requires our collective resolve so that justice will prevail and that we will resolve issues by dialogue," the President said during a courtesy call on him at the Presidency in Accra by a Delegation of Mamprugu Chiefs.

The Naa-Yiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, sent a Delegation of Mamprugu Chiefs led by Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Alemyaruun, the Paramount Chief of Bongo to the Presidency on his behalf to congratulate the President on his victory in the 2024 general election.

President Mahama reiterated that he could not speak of peace and development in the north without touching on the situation in Bawku.
He said the protracted conflict in Bawku continued to pose a grave challenge to national peace and regional harmony. "Bawku which has always been a booming and prosperous commercial center, is now a pale shadow of itself. Nobody is happy about this situation," he said.

President Mahama said some youth in Bawku moved around on motorcycles with sophisticated assault rifles and fire indiscriminately.
He said the Bawku conflict had affected everyone - Mamprusis, Kusasis, Bisas, Mossis, Hausas, and all other ethnic groups living in the area.
He said many professionals had fled the area, and public service workers were refusing to be posted to Bawku.

The President commended the Naa-Yiri for the dignified and statesmanlike manner in which he had responded to these tensions.
"Your calm and reasonable voice has been a source of guidance to many, and I sincerely to peace." he said

The President said, he was with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, two days ago, and he briefed him on the cooperation the Naa-Yiri had given him in finding a final traditional solution to the conflict.

"I commend you for the concessions you are willing to make in order to see lasting peace in Bawku," he said.
"I take this opportunity to humbly urge all stakeholders to speed up the mediation process so that peace can return to Bawku in order that residents can return to their normal lives as soon as possible."

President Mahama assured the Overlord of Mamprugu that the Government would continue to rely on his wisdom and partnership in navigating these sensitive matters in a manner that upholds human dignity and preserves the unity of the people.

President Mahama expressed his appreciation to Naa-Yiri and his entourage for the all-important visit.

He reiterated that Mamprugu Kingdom had always been a pillar of stability, tradition, and national conscience.
He noted that the Naa-Yiri's visionary leadership continued to inspire his people and the nation at large, and that the government was ready and willing to work with him to realize Mamprugu's full development potential through enhanced infrastructure in education, health care, agriculture, roads, bridges, and job creation.

"Let us build a future of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity for all," President Mahama said.

The Naa-Yiri's speech, which was read on his behalf by Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Alemyaruun, said President Mahama's resolve to strengthen national peace infrastructure, and support for traditional solutions to conflict, especially in the Bawku conflict, was commendable and assuring.