Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has brought the two opposing factions in the long-running Bawku chieftaincy conflict together for the first time in a historic, face-to-face meeting at the Manhyia Palace’s Jubilee Hall in Kumasi, effectively crowning several months of intensive mediation efforts.
A 30-member delegation from the Mamprugu Traditional Area, led by Chief Tarana John Wuni Gnumah and representing the Overlord of Mamprugu (Naayiri) Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, sat across from a delegation representing Bawku Naaba Zugran Asigri Aburgrago Azoka II and the Kusasi community, led by Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga.
Former Bawku Central MP Cletus Avoka served as spokesperson for the Kusasi side, while Dr. Issah spoke on behalf of the Mamprusi delegation.
Following months of separate engagements in which both factions presented their historical and legal positions, the Asantehene determined that the moment was right for direct dialogue.
Sources close to the palace described the atmosphere as “remarkably cordial,” noting that both delegations repeatedly emphasized their shared ancestry and agreed that there is no justification for continued violence.
In his closing remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised both sides for the maturity and civility they demonstrated throughout the mediation.
He reminded them that, regardless of the eventual outcome, Mamprusis and Kusasis remain “brothers and sisters” destined to coexist, and urged traditional and community leaders to begin preparing their followers to embrace lasting peace and set aside acts of violence.
The Asantehene revealed that he will, within the coming days, submit a comprehensive report containing his findings and recommendations to President John Dramani Mahama.
He expressed hope that the President would act swiftly by convening all key stakeholders to formally announce and implement the mediation outcome.
The Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which over the decades has claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands, centres on competing claims to the Bawku skin between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities.
Sunday’s meeting represents the closest the parties have come to a negotiated settlement in recent years and has been widely welcomed as a significant breakthrough made possible by the Asantehene’s personal intervention.
Traditional leaders, civil society groups, and residents of Bawku have expressed cautious optimism, urging both sides to honour whatever recommendations emerge from the Asantehene’s mediation in the interest of securing lasting peace in the Upper East Region.
