Uphold Constitutional Mediation Processes in Bawku – Baako Yussif Appeals to President Mahama

The Aspirant Parliamentary Candidate for the Bawku Central Constituency, Baako Yussif, has called on President H.E. John Dramani Mahama to urgently review the report emerging from the ongoing Bawku mediation process.

In a statement issued on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Mr. Yussif urged the President to pay particular attention to the legal distinction between mediation and arbitration under Ghanaian law, warning that any blurring of these processes could undermine constitutional governance and public confidence.

FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 20th December 2025

ON THE NEED TO UPHOLD CONSTITUTIONAL MEDIATION PROCESSES IN THE BAWKU MATTER

I respectfully call on the Government of Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to carefully review recent developments surrounding the Bawku mediation process, particularly as they relate to the clear constitutional distinction between mediation and arbitration under Ghanaian law.

It is important to state, without ambiguity, that mediation is not arbitration. Mediation is a facilitative and consultative process intended to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding among parties. It does not vest any mediator—individual or institution—with the authority to impose binding decisions, issue declarations, order arrests, sanction individuals, or enforce punitive measures within the Republic of Ghana.

Under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, no individual, group, or traditional authority—however revered or historically significant—possesses the legal mandate to adjudicate disputes, arbitrate outcomes, displace citizens, restrict freedom of movement, or exercise coercive powers outside the bounds of due process and prima facie justification as established by law.

Where uncertainty or ambiguity exists regarding constitutional limits, it is both prudent and necessary for Government to seek guidance from its legal advisers to prevent actions that may inadvertently undermine innocent citizens, erode public trust, or weaken the democratic foundations of the Fourth Republic.
Ghanaians have paid a heavy price through years of political instability to secure the democratic governance we enjoy today. We must therefore proceed with caution, wisdom, and unwavering fidelity to constitutional principles—never allowing expediency or political pressure to reverse the democratic gains we have made as a nation.

I wish to stress that no political, security, or traditional process should be weaponized to serve personal, informal, or partisan interests. Any abuse of authority—whether perceived or real—has the potential to inflame tensions and deepen instability rather than promote peace and reconciliation.

Claims of ownership, authority, or entitlement in any part of Ghana must always be subjected to due process and tested by proof beyond reasonable doubt, as required by law. Anything short of this risks setting a dangerous precedent that could threaten national cohesion and constitutional order.

I therefore urge all political leaders, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to exercise restraint, professionalism, and strict constitutional discipline in both their actions and public communications. Ghana is governed by democratic principles and the rule of law, not autocratic discretion.

Finally, I call on the good people of Bawku to remain calm and continue their lawful daily activities in pursuit of peace, development, and progress. The Constitution guarantees the rights and freedoms of every Ghanaian, and no unlawful or unreasonable action should be tolerated anywhere in our country.
Let us protect peace by protecting the Constitution.

Baako Yussif
Aspirant Parliamentary Candidate
Bawku Central Constituency