President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Minister of Finance to set up a GHC 1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund as part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to implement the recommendations of the historic Bawku Mediation Report.
According to an official statement released today, the fund is designed to tackle the underlying causes of the longstanding conflict in Bawku by addressing underdevelopment and rehabilitating essential infrastructure.
“Government recognises that the prolonged conflict in Bawku has led to severe human, social, and economic consequences, seriously affecting livelihoods, weakening social cohesion, and impeding development in the area and surrounding communities,” the statement noted.
The initiative, which will span three years from 2026 to 2028, will focus on upgrading roads, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, irrigation systems, and dams to support year-round farming. It will also prioritise security installations and economic centres, with the ultimate aim of restoring Bawku as a vital economic and commercial hub in Northern Ghana.
Oversight of the fund will be the responsibility of a high-level committee chaired jointly by the Minister of Finance and Acting Defence Minister, Hon. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. Other members include the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donaltus Akamuguri, and the Majority Leader and Bawku Central MP, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, who will represent the parliamentary members from the area.
This announcement comes after the government’s full endorsement of the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report, presented by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which recognised Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the legitimate Bawku Naba. The government has also pledged to relocate the rival claimant, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, to Nalerigu.
