His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has successfully concluded his months-long mediation efforts in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict, bringing together representatives of the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions for a landmark face-to-face dialogue at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi.
The Mamprusi delegation, led by Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of the Tarana Traditional Area, represented His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of the Mamprusi people. The Kusasi delegation was led by Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, on behalf of Zugraan Asigri Aburgrago Azoka II, the Bawku Naba. Hon. Cletus Avoka served as spokesperson for the Kusasi side, while Dr. Issah spoke for the Mamprusi delegation.
Both groups included traditional leaders, legal experts, academics, community leaders, and youth representatives, marking one of the most inclusive meetings since the conflict escalated.
Following months of separate consultations conducted by the Asantehene, the joint meeting offered both sides the opportunity to speak directly to each other in a final bid to resolve decades-old tensions that have disrupted peace and stability in the Bawku Traditional Area.
In a powerful joint declaration, leaders from both factions affirmed that they are “one people” with no justification for conflict. They called for an immediate end to violence and emphasized the importance of unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among Kusasi and Mamprusi communities.
Otumfuo praised the delegations for their maturity and cooperation, reminding them that regardless of the mediation outcome, they would continue to live together as one people. He encouraged community leaders to begin preparing their supporters to embrace a future of lasting peace.
The Asantehene announced that his mediation report, along with detailed proposals for lasting resolution, will be submitted to President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days. He expressed confidence that the President would convene a formal stakeholder meeting to announce the way forward.
A formal statement from Manhyia Palace, issued by Chief of Staff Kofi Badu, has been shared with all media outlets.
