The Manhyia Palace has announced that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will in the next few days present his report and proposals on the longstanding Bawku chieftaincy crisis to President John Dramani Mahama. The Palace expressed hope that the President would act swiftly by convening a formal meeting with all stakeholders to communicate the outcomes and next steps toward restoring peace.
The conflict rooted in a historical dispute between the Kusaug and Mamprugu ethnic groups has endured for years and resulted in significant loss of life and instability in the Bawku area.
On Monday, December 1, the Asantehene concluded months of intensive mediation efforts with a face-to-face engagement between the rival factions at the Jubilee Hall of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. This marked the final stage of a series of dialogues aimed at reaching a sustainable resolution.
Representing the Mamprugu faction was Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of the Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson for His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of Mamprugu. He led a 30-member delegation comprising chiefs, lawyers, academics, and youth and opinion leaders.
The Kusasi side was represented by Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, on behalf of the Bawku Naba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II. Hon. Cletus Avoka served as spokesperson for the Kusasi delegation, while Dr. Issah spoke for the Mamprugu representatives.
According to a statement from the Manhyia Palace, the session brought both factions together after months of separate hearings where each side had laid out its arguments and concerns.
“His Majesty had brought both sides to speak directly to each other in a final effort to explore a pathway to lasting resolution of the issues that have persistently undermined peace in the Bawku traditional area,” the statement said.
The meeting was described as cordial and respectful, with both delegations affirming their shared heritage and acknowledging that they are “one people who have no reason to be at war with each other.”
The Asantehene commended both groups for their composure and maturity throughout the process. He reminded them that, regardless of the final decision, they must continue to coexist as brothers and sisters.
He further encouraged the leaders to begin sensitizing their supporters to accept and uphold a permanent end to violence and chaos in their communities.
With the mediation now complete, all eyes turn to President Mahama, who is expected to guide the final phase of the resolution process based on the Asantehene’s recommendations.
