The Asante Youth Association (AYA)has described as reckless the Facebook comments by the Nalerigu-Gambaga Member of Parliament on the Bawku Mediation Committee led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
The group says the MP, Alhaji Nurudeen Mohammed acted irresponsibly by attempting to reject a state mandated peace process.
In a statement released to the media and signed by the General Secretary of AYA and two others, the group wondered why the MP was seeking to court unnecessary attention to himself when the people in Bawku had shown happiness with the Mediation report.
AYA has meanwhile called on Parliament to take note of the conduct of the MP and rein him in line.
This attitude of the MP, the statement said would go a long way to undermine the respect many have for Parliament and the Representatives of the people in the chamber if unchecked.
Press1News published in full the statement as released by AYA.
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ASANTE YOUTH ASSOCIATION (AYA) ON THE RECKLESS COMMENTS BY THE MP FOR NALERIGU/GAMBAGA CONSTITUENCY ON THE BAWKU MEDIATION REPORT
The Asante Youth Association (AYA) extends its profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for once again demonstrating to Ghana, Africa, and the world why he remains a globally respected statesman and peace builder. Through the institution of chieftaincy, Otumfuo has consistently shown that traditional authority, when exercised with wisdom, restraint, and vision, remains one of the strongest pillars for peace and stability in modern societies.
As the youth of Asante, we are immensely proud of the leadership, sacrifice, and moral authority of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. His unwavering commitment to peace has transcended ethnic, political, and regional boundaries, and the Bawku mediation process is yet another testament to his lifelong dedication to national unity.
AYA also commends all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the mediation process, particularly the Kusasi and Mamprusi traditional leadership for their cooperation and engagement. We further acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of political actors, academics, security agencies, individuals from the Northern part of Ghana, as well as well-meaning Ghanaians who are not from the North but nonetheless supported this critical national exercise. This collective effort underscores the fact that the Bawku mediation was never a sectional agenda, but a national responsibility undertaken in good faith.
However, while commending the collective efforts that made this mediation possible, AYA cannot close its eyes to the actions of a few individuals who, driven by deep-seated hatred for Asante, seek to distort, undermine, and discredit any initiative that brings peace to Ghana if it also brings recognition and honour to Otumfuo and the Asante Kingdom. Chief among such individuals is the Member of Parliament for the Nalerigu/Gambaga Constituency, Hon. Alhaji Nurudeen Muhammed.
AYA finds it extremely unfortunate, irresponsible, and reckless that an Honourable Member of Parliament would publicly associate himself with the rejection of a nationally mandated peace process.
Such a statement is not only divisive but also undermines the spirit of national cohesion, dialogue, and peacebuilding that the Bawku mediation represents. It is particularly troubling that this statement comes from a sitting Member of Parliament, whose words carry weight and consequence beyond partisan or ethnic sentiments.
AYA wishes to firmly remind Hon. Alhaji Nurudeen Muhammed that his position as a Member of Parliament is both a privilege and an honour bestowed upon him by the people. He was selected from many to represent not only the constituents of Nalerigu/Gambaga but also to serve the broader interests of the Republic of Ghana. As such, his conduct, utterances, and posture must at all times reflect the dignity, responsibility, and patriotism expected of an Honourable Member.
While his comments are deeply unfortunate and reckless, AYA notes with concern that it betrays his clear lack of emotional competence, unnecessary youthful bravado, and inexperience associated with a first-time parliamentarian still learning the demands of national leadership. On this basis, AYA calls on experienced, sober-minded, and level-headed politicians within his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as seasoned politicians from the Northern bloc—such as Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Hon. Seidu Adongo, and other mature and decent political leaders—to draw him closer, mentor him, and properly educate him on responsible leadership and national cohesion.
Furthermore, AYA calls on Parliament as an institution not to turn a blind eye to such reckless conduct by its members. Failure to address such behaviour only serves to erode the image and dignity of the noble House and reinforces the growing public perception that Parliament is gradually degenerating into a house of charlatans rather than a bastion of statesmanship. Parliament must take deliberate steps to discipline, reorient, and instill a stronger sense of patriotism in members whose conduct falls below the standard expected of the title “Honourable.”
AYA also uses this opportunity to appeal directly to the youth on both sides of the divide—Kusasi and Mamprusi alike—to ignore inflammatory statements and reckless advice from politicians who thrive on chaos. History has shown that politicians of this character do not have the genuine interest of the youth at heart. They stoke conflict and instability because they benefit politically from disorder, while their own families remain insulated in Accra/Kumasi or abroad, far removed from the consequences of violence.
The youth must understand that true pride, dignity, and identity as Kusasi or Mamprusi can only be sustained when they live peacefully on their own land. Without peace, displacement becomes inevitable, and once one is forced to live on another person’s land, the identity and recognition one holds dear are diminished. Peace is therefore not a weakness, but the foundation of dignity, development, and cultural pride.
AYA further wishes to remind Hon. Alhaji Nurudeen Muhammed and all like-minded individuals that where God has placed Asante, instability in any part of Ghana inevitably affects us. Due to our strategic location, no fewer than ten to twelve regions depend on the Ashanti Region in areas such as healthcare, trade, and education. The Bawku chieftaincy conflict is therefore not a “Northern issue” alone—it is a national issue with direct implications for the entire country.
It is on this basis that His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, even while in a period of mourning, suspended other commitments and committed resources from the Asante Kingdom to pursue peace for our brothers and sisters in the North. This sacrifice underscores the sincerity and national character of his mediation efforts.
Finally, AYA calls on the media, particularly those with large platforms, to exercise responsibility by denying airtime to hate speech and divisive rhetoric. History has taught us that it is often through small ethnic conflicts, ignored or sensationalized, that nations slide into devastating wars. Rwanda remains a painful reminder. Media houses that choose to fuel division must understand that the consequences of such actions will eventually return to haunt the entire society, including themselves.
AYA remains unwavering in its support for peace, national unity, and the mediation efforts led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Ghana’s peace must always rise above individual egos, ethnic posturing, and reckless political statements.
Long live Otumfuo
Long live Asanteman
Long live Ghana
Signed;
Tweneboa Kodua
(General Secretary)
Dr Ronald O. Anane
(President)
Nana Oppon(Hon)
(Vice President)
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
