Asantehene Concludes Mediation in Bawku Chieftaincy Crisis
His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, yesterday brought to a close his extensive mediation efforts in the protracted Bawku chieftaincy conflict, hosting a crucial face-to-face meeting between the disputing factions at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi.
The meeting, described as cordial and forward-looking, marked the first time both sides engaged directly after months of separate consultations with the Asantehene.
A 30-member delegation representing His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, Naayiri and Overlord of Mamprugu, was led by Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of the Tarana Traditional Area. Their team included chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion leaders and youth representatives, with Dr. Issah serving as spokesperson.
On the other side, Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, led the delegation representing the Bawku Naba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, and the Kusasi community. Former legislator Hon. Cletus Avoka spoke on behalf of the Kusasi side.
Otumfuo, who has spent several months carefully listening to both parties present their cases separately, emphasised that the direct engagement was a final opportunity to explore a lasting solution to the recurring instability in the Bawku traditional area.
Both delegations underscored their shared heritage, stressing that they are “one people” with no justifiable reason to remain in conflict.
The Asantehene commended their maturity and urged the leaders to prepare their followers to embrace peace, regardless of the eventual outcome of the mediation process.
He reminded them that coexistence was inevitable and must be underpinned by mutual respect, nonviolence and a commitment to rebuilding trust in their communities.
Otumfuo disclosed that he would, in the coming days, submit his final report and recommendations to President John Dramani Mahama. He expressed hope that the President would promptly convene a formal meeting of all relevant stakeholders to announce the conclusions of the mediation mission and chart the path forward.
The latest development raises fresh optimism for an end to the long-standing tensions in Bawku as the nation awaits the President’s next steps.
