Naa Sheriga Kulga II Arraigned Over Alleged Unlawful Claim to Bawku Skin

Seidu Abagre, also known as Naa Sheriga Kulga II, a 78-year-old retired teacher, has been hauled before the High Court in Accra over his alleged involvement in actions linked to the protracted chieftaincy conflict in Bawku.

The accused was arraigned on four counts, including acting as a chief without qualification, provocation of riot, offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace, and fighting with weapons.

The charges are said to stem from events that occurred in or before December 2025 in Bawku, in the Upper East Region.

Court proceedings began around 3:00 p.m. on Monday and were still ongoing at the time of filing this report.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Attorney-General’s Department, Mr. Abagre allegedly held himself out as the Bawku Naba despite knowing he was not qualified to occupy the skin, an act prosecutors say violated Section 63(a) of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759).

The prosecution further alleges that by purporting to act as Bawku Naba, the accused intentionally provoked riots between Kusasi and Mamprusi groups, contrary to Section 200 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and engaged in conduct likely to breach the peace under Section 207 of Act 29.

A fourth count accuses him of provoking people to fight with deadly weapons, contrary to Section 203(a) of Act 29.

In brief facts presented to the court, the prosecution traced the roots of the Kusasi–Mamprusi conflict to competing claims over the Bawku chieftaincy, recounting a series of legal and political decisions dating back to the colonial era.

It maintained that successive governments since 2003 have upheld a Supreme Court decision declaring Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba.

Despite this, prosecutors allege that Mr. Abagre declared himself Bawku Naba at a ceremony in Nalerigu on February 14, 2023, and subsequently moved to Bawku, actions the state claims directly triggered renewed violence.

The prosecution further alleged that his presence and activities in Bawku provoked violent disturbances that led to the deaths of at least 134 people, with fresh violence erupting again in December 2025.

Investigators claim the accused knew he was not qualified to occupy the skin and that his actions were likely to incite violence, but acted regardless.

It was also alleged that security agencies, acting on the approval of the National Security Council, removed Mr. Abagre from Bawku in December 2025 and placed him in protective custody under a court order due to threats to national security and his own safety.

Security at the High Court was visibly heightened with joint police and military personnel deployed to safeguard judges, court staff, and members of the public.

Outside the court premises, a small group believed to be from the Mamprusi faction was seen chanting slogans including “We need peace.”