Otumfuo urges unity and compliance as Bawku peace report reaches Jubilee House
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged all parties involved in the protracted Bawku conflict to commit themselves to, and abide by, the findings of the mediation report he has submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that the process was strictly a mediation and not an arbitration.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, December 16, while presenting the report, the Asantehene explained that he had made it clear to all factions that he would not pronounce judgment or apportion blame. “I’m here not to give a judgement as to who was wrong or right. I am here to present the facts as they are for us to have peace. It is almost about two and a half year since your predecessor invited me to mediate in a major conflict in Bawku that had become a major threat to the security of the nation,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised that the findings of the mediation exercise should be accepted by all stakeholders as binding. “I report the facts as they are and it should be binding on all of us, whoever is involved,” he stated, adding that his role was to facilitate dialogue and document the issues raised by the parties to support lasting peace.
He noted that the report was being presented to the President for further consideration and action. “By the Grace of God, we are able to assemble here to present to Your Excellency the report of the mission you entrusted to us. We present the report for your kind consideration and whatever action you and your government consider appropriate,” the Asantehene said.
The Asantehene expressed gratitude to President Mahama and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the confidence reposed in him to lead the mediation process. He acknowledged that the mandate was renewed shortly after President Mahama assumed office earlier this year, enabling the talks to continue.
Clarifying the nature of the exercise, Otumfuo reiterated, “I’m here to present the facts as they are for us to have peace. I’m not here to give a judgment as to who was right or wrong. The report should bind on all of us. I have explained to the various parties. It was mediation, not arbitration.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was appointed in early 2025 by President Mahama to lead mediation efforts to resolve the decades-long chieftaincy dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions in Bawku. The process began in April 2025 with separate consultations and resumed in May after a brief suspension, contributing to a period of relative calm in the conflict-prone municipality.
The presentation of the report comes against the backdrop of renewed security measures in Bawku. The government has extended a curfew in the municipality and surrounding communities from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am, following advice from the National Security Council. The Interior Ministry has also imposed a ban on the possession of arms and offensive weapons, as authorities intensify efforts to stabilise the area while the President considers the next steps in implementing the mediation recommendations.
