The Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is preparing to submit his final mediation report and proposals to President John Dramani Mahama after successfully bringing the two main factions in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute together for a rare face-to-face meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The meeting, held inside the Jubilee Hall, marked the climax of several months of intensive mediation during which the Asantehene separately heard the arguments, grievances and historical claims of both sides. On Monday, December 1, he finally brought them together in the same room in what many observers described as a hopeful turning point.
Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah led the 30-member delegation representing the Naayiri, His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, and the Mamprugu side. Opposite them sat the delegation of the Bawku Naaba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, represented by Naba Tambis Baalug and supported by prominent figures including Hon. Cletus Avoka and several chiefs, lawyers and youth leaders.
Despite the longstanding tensions associated with the Bawku conflict, the meeting was marked by calm engagement and mutual respect. According to the Asantehene, “both sides emphasised the fact that they are one people who have no reason to be at war with each other.”
His Majesty commended the two factions for their maturity, urging them to remain committed to peace regardless of the outcome of the mediation process. He reminded them that the future of their communities depends on unity and coexistence, adding that “whatever the outcome of the mediation, they would have to live together as brothers and sisters.”
He also encouraged the leaders to begin sensitising their supporters and communities to permanently reject violence and embrace peace. “Prepare the minds of your supporters to put an end permanently to violence and disorder,” he advised.
At the end of the meeting, the Asantehene announced that his comprehensive report containing his assessment and proposals would be delivered to President Mahama within the next few days. He expressed confidence that the President would act swiftly by convening a broader meeting to present the final decisions and lay out a national roadmap for lasting peace in Bawku.
