The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has concluded a key phase of his mediation in the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy dispute, hosting a face-to-face meeting between the rival factions at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi.
The meeting brought together delegations representing the Naayiri and Mamprugu traditional authorities on one side, and the Bawku Naba and Kusasi people on the other.
Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of the Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson for the Naayiri, led a 30-member team on behalf of Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of Mamprugu and the Mamprusis.
Representing the Bawku side, Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, led the delegation for Bawku Naba Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Kusasi community.
Former MP Cletus Avoka served as spokesperson for the Kusasi delegation, while Dr. Issah represented the Naayiri and Mamprusi sides. Both groups included chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion leaders, and youth representatives.
The Asantehene convened the joint meeting after months of hearing both factions present their positions separately. According to Manhyia Palace officials, the face-to-face encounter was aimed at fostering direct dialogue and identifying a pathway toward lasting peace in the troubled Bawku traditional area.
The meeting was described as cordial, with both sides acknowledging that they are “one people” who have no reason to be at war with each other. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended the delegations for their civility and maturity, urging them to prepare their supporters for lasting peace.
He reminded the leaders that, regardless of the mediation outcome, the factions would need to live together as “brothers and sisters.”
The Asantehene also disclosed that he would soon submit a comprehensive report of his mediation efforts, along with recommendations, to President John Dramani Mahama.
He expressed hope that the President would act swiftly and convene a formal gathering of all stakeholders to announce the next steps toward resolving the conflict.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
