Bawku Chieftaincy Crisis: Asantehene to submit mediation effort report to President Mahama

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to submit his report on the mediation process of the Bawku conflict to President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days.

This follows the conclusion of the mediation efforts in the long-running Bawku chieftaincy conflict.

In a statement dated December 1, 2025, and signed by the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Asantehene, Kofi Badu, it said that the Otumfuo hopes the government will fast-track action on the proposals outlined in the report.

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The statement also noted that the Otumfuo expects the government to engage with the interested parties and announce the outcome of the mediation.

“His Majesty announced that he would submit his report with his proposals to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama in the next few days. He hoped that the President would act expeditiously and convene a formal meeting of all interested parties to announce the outcome of the mediation mission” portions of the statement read.

The statement further detailed that the Asantehene’s meeting with the factions, the Mamprusi and the Kusasi, was conducted cordially, with the King bringing both sides together to speak directly after months of separate meetings.

It added that the leaders of both factions agreed on the importance of peace and unity.

“After spending several months listening to both parties present their arguments in separate meetings, His Majesty had brought both sides to speak directly to each other in a final effort to explore a pathway to lasting resolution of the issues that have persistently undermined the peace in the Bawku traditional area. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with both sides emphasising the fact that they are one people who have no reason to be at war with each other,” it continued.

“His Majesty thanked both sides for their civility and maturity and urged them to remember that whatever the outcome of the mediation, they would have to live together as brothers and sisters. He urged the leaders to start preparing the minds of their supporters to be prepared to put an end permanently to violence and disorder in their communities,” the statement noted.

The mediation by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was honored and attended by several traditional leaders and delegations.

Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson of the Naayiri, led a 30-member delegation representing His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of the Mamprugu and the Mamprusis.

On the other hand, Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, led the delegation representing the Bawku Naaba Zugraan Asigri Aburgrago Azoka II and the Kusasi people.

Also present were Cletus Avoka, former Member of Parliament for Zebilla, who acted as spokesperson for the Kusasi delegation, and Dr Issah, spokesperson for the Naayiri and Mamprusis. Both delegations comprised Chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion leaders, and youth leaders.

Bawku Conflict: Details of Asantehene’s final mediation session

The conflict stems from ancient historical claims, with the Mamprusi asserting their traditional authority over the Kusasi. British colonial rule also played a significant role in shaping these tensions, as some argue that colonial policies deepened divisions between the groups. Over time, disputes over chieftaincy, land ownership, and political influence have continued to fuel the conflict, making resolution challenging.

Read the statement below:

MAG/EB

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