Otumfuo calls for unity and peace amid Bawku conflict between rival factions
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has appealed to the factions involved in the long-running Bawku chieftaincy conflict to commit themselves to lasting peace, stressing that the two sides are essentially one people who must learn to coexist peacefully.
The dispute between the Kusaug and Mamprugu ethnic groups has dragged on for years, claiming numerous lives and causing extensive destruction. President John Dramani Mahama tasked the Asantehene to intervene and help restore stability in the area.
On Monday, December 1, the Asantehene concluded his mediation process with a direct engagement between the opposing sides at the Jubilee Hall of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. He expressed appreciation for the respectful conduct of both delegations and reminded them that, regardless of the final outcome, they would continue to share the same communities and must therefore choose cooperation over conflict.
The Mamprugu side, led by Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah—Paramount Chief of the Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson for the Naayiri—attended the meeting with a 30-member team representing Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Overlord of Mamprugu.
Representing the Kusasi and the Bawku Naba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, was Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga. Cletus Avoka served as the spokesperson for the Kusasi delegation, while Dr. Issah spoke for the Mamprugu side. Both groups included chiefs, legal experts, academics, youth leaders and opinion leaders.
A statement from the Manhyia Palace explained that the Asantehene had spent several months holding separate discussions with each faction to fully understand their concerns before bringing them together for this final dialogue aimed at identifying a long-term solution to the recurring tensions in the Bawku traditional area.
The Asantehene urged leaders from both sides to begin preparing their supporters for peace, emphasizing that the cycle of violence and instability must come to an end for the sake of their communities.
