The Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday brought to a close months of mediation in the protracted Bawku chieftaincy crisis by convening a crucial face-to-face dialogue between the two rival sides at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi.
The meeting marked the first time both factions met directly before the Asantehene since the mediation process began. Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of the Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson for the Naayiri, led a 30-member delegation on behalf of His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of Mamprugu and the Mamprusis. Opposing them was a delegation headed by Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, representing the Bawku Naaba Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Kusasi people, with Hon. Cletus Avoka serving as spokesperson. Both delegations included chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion leaders, and youth representatives.
After months of listening to both sides separately, the Asantehene said he deemed it necessary to bring them together in the same room to advance a lasting solution. The meeting, described as cordial and respectful, highlighted one central message: that the two groups are brothers and sisters with no reason to be at war.
The Asantehene commended both sides for their maturity and civility throughout the mediation process. He reminded them that regardless of the final outcome, peaceful coexistence was essential. He urged both factions to begin preparing their supporters for a permanent end to violence and disorder in the Bawku traditional area.
His Majesty announced that he would soon present his report and recommendations to the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, expressing hope that the presidency would act quickly to convene a formal meeting of all stakeholders to communicate the final outcome of the mediation mission.
The Asantehene’s intervention is seen by many as a significant step toward restoring peace in one of Ghana’s most protracted traditional disputes.
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