Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has wrapped up his months-long mediation efforts in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute. He appealed to both parties to guide their followers toward lasting peace and to remember that they remain “one people.”
The Asantehene made the appeal on Monday, December 1, 2025, when the he hosted delegations from the Mamprusi and Kusasi groups at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. It was the first time representatives from both sides met face to face under his leadership.
In a statement issued through his Chief of Staff, Kofi Badu, Otumfuo commended the delegations for their respectful conduct throughout the process. The palace noted that he stressed the need for communities to accept that harmony is unavoidable. “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 release said.
The meeting took place in the Jubilee Hall, with Chief Tarana John Wuni Grunah leading a 30-member team on behalf of the Naayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu. Naba Tambis Baalug of Pusiga led the delegation for the Bawku Naaba and the Kusasi people. Former MP Cletus Avoka and Dr. Issah served as spokespersons for the Kusasi and Mamprusi sides.
This joint session followed several months of separate engagements in which the Asantehene listened to arguments and perspectives from each faction. The Bawku dispute, which has persisted for years, has cost lives and displaced many residents, making the mediation an urgent national concern.
According to the Manhyia Palace, discussions were calm, and both groups openly acknowledged their shared history and the unnecessary toll of the conflict.
With deliberations now complete, Otumfuo will compile his recommendations for the national leadership. “His Majesty announced that he would submit his report with his proposals to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama in the next few days,” the palace statement added. The King expressed his hope that the President will “act expeditiously” by bringing all parties together to formally present the final outcome of the mediation.
Read the statement below.
