Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene is set to resume mediation efforts between the two factions involved in the ongoing Bawku conflict.
The Manhyia Palace has announced that Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will resume mediation efforts to address the Bawku conflict from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
There has been an escalation of violence following the resurgence of a long-standing chieftaincy conflict, sparked by the return of rival chief Alhaji Seidu Abagre from exile.
Abagre fled Bawku after an arrest warrant was issued against him following his contested installation as chief in Nalerigu, a High Court ruling in Kumasi on October 17, 2024, nullified the warrant, allowing him to resurface.
President Mahama at the Graduation Parade of the Ghana Military Academy revealed that the Otumfuo has assured him the mediation process will resume next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad.
Speaking at the Graduation Parade of the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, April 11, 2025, President Mahama detailed, “The Ghana Armed Forces is engaged in several threats to maintain peace and security in our nation. One major flash point is the Bawku area. Only two days ago, a situation that took place in the market triggered an unfortunate loss of life and criminal vandalism of property. I wish to emphasise that nobody gains from this conflict and insecurities”.
“We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process, which has all the stakeholders to ensure a roadmap towards peace. I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will resume next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad,” he stated.
He added, “We will take all allegations of crime seriously and trigger our security service investigation machinery to go after criminals, no matter who they are. But let me state emphatically also that we do not have the resources and time to engage in any game of smoke and mirrors”.
Meanwhile, Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has fired shots at President John Dramani Mahama over the escalating Bawku conflict.
According to Henry Nana Boakye, John Mahama engaged in reckless politics by claiming anytime that NDC is in power, there is calmness in Bawku.
He also asserted that the president during the 2024 election campaign threw his weight behind a particular faction as the leader there because he thought it was going to help him politically.
