Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has resumed mediation efforts to resolve the long-standing Bawku conflict, initiating a closed-door meeting on Monday with the Kusasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.This engagement marks a continuation of his traditional diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the troubled Upper East municipality.The dialogue follows an earlier meeting on April 29 this year, where both factions in the dispute-the Kusasi and the Mamprusi-were received separately by the Asantehene to begin peace talks.However, mediation was temporarily suspended due to the passing of the Paramount Chief of Mampong, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.
As the Mampong Paramountcy holds the Silver Stool, second in hierarchy within the Asante Kingdom, the burial rites held from June 7 to June 9 took precedence.The Bawku conflict, characterised by recurring violence, displacement, and deep-rooted ethnic and chieftaincy disputes, has long been a concern for national stakeholders.After the recent meeting, Mr Maxwell Agbambilla, legal representative of the Kusasi Traditional Council, expressed optimism, saying "peace is on the horizon," praising the Asantehene's wisdom and influence.A significant outcome of the meeting saw six sub-chiefs reaffirming allegiance to the Kusasi Traditional Council, which Mr Agbambilla described as a pivotal step toward reconciliation."We simply want to live in peace and harmony-free from fear and intimidation," he stated, urging Kusasi youth to remain calm and trust in the Asantehene's commitment to peace.Otumfuo's agreement to mediate was formalised during a meeting with a government delegation led by Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak.
He expressed concern over the conflict's impact on national unity and development, affirming his readiness to guide a resolution rooted in traditional diplomacy.Since 2023, the Asantehene has actively engaged stakeholders from both sides, advocating dialogue over violence.
His role in conflict resolution has earned him national reverence, with many likening his efforts to those of "King Solomon"-notably for chairing the Committee of Eminent Chiefs that brokered peace in the Dagbon crisis.The Bawku conflict's origins trace back to the colonial era of the 1950s, with disputes between the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups over land ownership and chieftaincy rights.
