The Manhyia Palace has announced that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will in the coming days present his final report and proposals on the Bawku chieftaincy crisis to President John Dramani Mahama. The Palace expressed hope that the President will act swiftly by convening all interested parties to formally communicate the outcome of the mediation process.
This follows the Asantehene’s successful completion of a months-long mediation effort, which culminated in a historic face-to-face meeting between the disputing factions on Monday, December 1, at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi.
High-Level Delegations Meet for Final Dialogue
The meeting brought together two major delegations representing the Mamprusi and Kusasi sides of the long-standing Bawku dispute.
- Mamprusi Delegation:
Led by Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson of the Naayiri. He represented His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, Overlord of Mamprugu and the Mamprusis. - Kusasi Delegation:
Led by Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga and representative of Bawku Naba Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II. Hon. Cletus Avoka served as spokesperson for the Kusasi side.
Each delegation included chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion leaders, and youth leaders, forming a combined group of over 60 influential stakeholders.
Manhyia Palace: Dialogue Was Respectful and Unity-Driven
According to a statement from the Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had spent several months meeting both parties separately before finally bringing them together in a last attempt to chart a path toward lasting peace in the Bawku traditional area.
“The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with both sides emphasising the fact that they are one people who have no reason to be at war with each other,”
the Palace noted.
The Asantehene expressed gratitude to both parties for their maturity and decorum throughout the process. He reminded them that regardless of the final outcome of the mediation, they remain one people who must continue to coexist peacefully.
Call for Calm Ahead of Final Presidential Decision
His Majesty urged both leaders to begin engaging their supporters in preparation for a permanent end to violence and disorder in their communities.
The upcoming submission of the final report to President Mahama marks a major milestone in the long-standing effort to restore peace to Bawku, one of the most complex chieftaincy flashpoints in Ghana.
