Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has announced progress in the peace process concerning the Bawku conflict.
The King, who is mediating the crisis, has engaged with key stakeholders and called for a ceasefire while a lasting solution is sought.
During a visit by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to the King at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Friday, March 14, the Asantehene emphasized that significant attention is being directed towards the mediation process, as the nation cannot afford for the conflict to continue.
This marks Otumfuo’s first public comment on the Bawku issue since President Mahama requested that he uses his wisdom and mediation skills to bring the opposing factions to negotiate peace.
While at the palace, Mr Iddrisu urged His Majesty to employ his arbitration skills and diplomatic influence to resolve the protracted conflict, referencing the Dagbon conflict as a successful example of mediation.
First Steps
In response, the Asantehene revealed that he has taken initial steps by engaging with several key stakeholders involved in the dispute. He explained that during these discussions, he requested that they instruct their members to observe a ceasefire to facilitate the resolution process.
He stated, “I have engaged Bawku Naba, Nayiri, the Busangas, Mosis, and all other groups with an interest in the factions. I asked them to withdraw all support and instructed them to tell their members to put away their guns because the issue is being addressed.”
Right to Enskinment
His Majesty also indicated that he will have further discussions with the Nayiri regarding other outstanding issues before determining who has the right to enskin a chief for Bawku.
He acknowledged that he has been informed that a chief has already been enskinned, but he clarified, “I have given instructions that all such actions be annulled for the arbitration process to take full effect.” He emphasized, “What we need to determine now is who truly owns Bawku.”
Background
The Bawku chieftaincy conflict, involving the Mamprusis and the Kusasis, has resulted in numerous deaths and significant destruction of property. Earlier this year, in January, President Mahama sought Otumfuor’s intervention to help restore peace in the troubled area.
