Rival factions in the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy dispute have arrived in Kumasi ahead of a decisive mediation session led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace this weekend.
The groups, escorted separately under heavy security from Bawku, are set to participate in what authorities describe as the most advanced stage of the peace process.
Scheduled for November 30 and December 1, the talks are framed by both the Manhyia Palace and the National Peace Council (NPC) as the “final session” of a structured mediation effort, widely seen as the strongest opportunity in years to resolve the decades-old conflict.
Historic Opportunity for Resolution
The Bawku conflict, rooted in a longstanding chieftaincy dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities, dates back to the colonial era.
Once a vibrant commercial hub in the Upper East Region, Bawku has endured repeated outbreaks of violence, resulting in hundreds of deaths, displacement of residents, business closures, and disruptions to essential services such as health and education.
Despite successive governments imposing curfews and deploying security forces, a comprehensive settlement has remained elusive.
The Asantehene’s involvement intensified following renewed hostilities during the administrations of former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Dramani Mahama.
A wave of violence claiming multiple lives—including two police officers and a soldier—prompted widespread calls for his intervention.
Manhyia Mediation Reaches Final Stage
In recent years, Otumfuo has held a series of closed-door engagements with the factions, alternating between separate and joint meetings. His approach has been widely praised by the NPC as “the most credible path toward lasting peace” and the clearest progress made in years.
The Manhyia Palace confirmed that this weekend’s session is expected to conclude the mediation process, commending the cooperation of both factions and urging restraint to avoid actions that could jeopardize the progress achieved.
The NPC similarly called on all parties to remain calm and committed as the talks reach “their most crucial stage.”
National Significance
Experts in peace and governance note that a successful resolution would restore stability to the conflict-prone municipality, strengthen national cohesion, and reinforce Ghana’s reputation for peaceful and culturally sensitive conflict resolution.
Otumfuo’s respected track record, including his pivotal role in the Dagbon peace process, has raised expectations that the Bawku talks may finally bring lasting peace.
Hopes are high that this latest intervention will mark the end of one of Ghana’s most enduring and complex traditional disputes.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/ Isaac Justice Bediako
