Asantehene, Kusaug Traditional Council meeting successful

A meeting between the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Kusaug Traditional Council reportedly concluded successfully at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.

The meeting, which was held last Monday, formed part of mediation efforts led by the Asantehene towards resolving the protracted Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region.

According to a source who attended the meeting, several issues were discussed, all aimed at bringing closure to the ongoing conflict.

The source said during an earlier meeting between Otumfuo and the Mamprusis, the Mamprusis listed some communities within the Bawku enclave, which they claimed owed allegiance to them.

However, the source said that during the meeting with the Kusaug Traditional Council, who were accompanied by chiefs and elders from the said six communities, they openly declared where they belonged, thereby bringing finality to the matter.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, after hearing the responses of the representatives of those, assured them that he would convey their stance to the Mamprusis in a subsequent meeting to determine the way forward.

Commitment

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Maxwell Agbambilla, Counsel for Bawku Naba, Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, stated that the chiefs of the six communities were clear in their views about where they wished to belong.

He reiterated the Bawku Naba’s commitment to the mediation process, saying, “We have always been committed because of the regard that we have for the Asantehene, and also we know that the truth is on our side”.

Mr Agbambilla urged the people to remain calm and patient as efforts were being made by the Otumfuo to find a lasting solution to the conflict, adding that, from all indications, it seemed the end was near in resolving the crisis that continues to claim lives and properties in the area.

Situation

Hundreds of Kusasis, dressed in smock and other traditional attire, arrived at the Manhyia Palace at 8:00a.m., ahead of the arrival of members of the traditional council led by the Bawku Naba.

However, they were not permitted entry into the palace until members of the traditional council arrived.

The people waited in a pensive mood, awaiting members of the council who were in the meeting that lasted nearly two hours, ending around 3:00p.m.

They were subsequently briefed on the outcome of the meeting

On April 29, 2025, Otumfuo Osei Tutu began the mediation process in the age-old Bawku crisis, which had resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties.

So far, the Otumfuo, who is the sole mediator in the long-standing chieftaincy and ethnic dispute, has held separate meetings with the feuding parties.

Background

President John Dramani Mahama sought the intervention of Otumfuo to continue with the mediation process that began under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

There has, however, been an escalation of the conflict in recent times, resulting in deaths and cases of arson.

The government has since imposed a curfew and deployed security forces to maintain peace and order in the troubled area.

Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh.