Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Mamprugu Youth Association (MAYA) has issued a stern warning to the government and Kusasi factions in the Bawku conflict, stating that any attempt to arrest or remove Bawku Naba, Naa Sheriga Alhaji Seidu Abagre, will be fiercely resisted.
MAYA described the recent demands for Naa Sheriga’s arrest as “baseless, provocative, and a direct attempt to destabilize the peace process” in the conflict-prone area.
Addressing the press yesterday, 15th April 2025, at the Press Center, Accra, MAYA reaffirmed Naa Sheriga’s legitimacy and denounced any challenge to his authority as illegal and insulting to tradition.
They emphasized that the Court of Appeal has already ruled in Naa Sheriga’s favor, and any action to arrest him would be contempt of court and a violation of his rights.
The controversy surrounding Naa Sheriga’s legitimacy stems from his enskinment by the Nayiri, King of Mamprugu, which MAYA asserts is a longstanding tradition.
An arrest warrant issued against Naa Sheriga in February 2023 sparked widespread outrage, with the Appeals Court later declaring the warrant “having no legal basis”.
This ruling has vindicated Naa Sheriga and his family, who endured unwarranted harassment and humiliation for two years ¹.
However, MAYA criticized Kusasi youth for allegedly spearheading an “ethnic profiling and economic blockade” campaign, which includes barring access to markets, hence restricting economic activities in Mamprusi-dominated areas.
The rest are attacking commuters targeting individuals traveling through these areas, and shutting down state infrastructure by disrupting essential services within Mamprusi-dominated areas
On the way forward, MAYA urged the state to uphold neutrality by ensuring fairness and impartiality in the conflict, ensuring justice by applying the law without fear or favor, and acting firmly in restoring law and order in the area.
To that effect, the group reiterated their commitment to peace under the leadership of the Nayiri and warned that their patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
