Bawku report submitted; Mahama to respond within 24 hours

President John Dramani Mahama has given an assurance that the government will announce its firm and final stance on the Bawku mediation findings within 24 hours, as national efforts continue to strengthen peace and promote reconciliation among the rival groups.

The President made this known on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Presidency in Accra, shortly after receiving the comprehensive mediation report from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was earlier mandated to spearhead talks to address the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Bawku.

Expressing satisfaction with the completion of the mediation process, President Mahama stated that the submission of the report marks an important turning point. He assured the Asantehene that the document would be carefully reviewed and that an official government response outlining its position would be released within a day.

According to the President, the emphasis must now move beyond discussions toward mending relationships and fostering unity.

He stressed that meaningful engagement between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities remains essential to achieving enduring stability in the area.

Presenting the report, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II clarified that the engagement was purely conciliatory in nature and not intended to serve as arbitration.

He explained that all parties participated voluntarily and should respect the conclusions reached.

The objective, he noted, was not to declare victors or losers but to establish clarity, encourage understanding, and promote peaceful coexistence.

The Asantehene was designated by President Mahama earlier in 2025 to lead the peace initiative in the troubled municipality.

The mediation exercise commenced in April with individual meetings involving representatives from both sides, experienced a temporary pause, and later resumed in May, helping to usher in a period of relative calm.

President Mahama expressed gratitude to Otumfuo for his dedication and leadership, reaffirming government’s commitment to act swiftly and prudently on the proposals contained in the report.

The forthcoming government statement is expected to spell out concrete measures aimed at advancing reconciliation, rebuilding confidence between the feuding parties, and ensuring that violence does not re-emerge in Bawku.