Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has finally broken his silence over the ongoing Bawku mediation process, stating categorically that the two factions have made it known to him that they abhor war and bloodshed.
According to him, both the Mamprusis and Kusasis, during the final meeting for the Bawku chieftaincy mediation process on Monday, assured him that they are one people so there was no need for them to be at each other’s throats.
“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,” the Asantehene openly declared with approval.
Otumfuo, who is the main mediator for restoring lasting peace in Bawku, made the statement in a press release, which was authored and released on the evening of Monday, December 1, 2025.
Significantly, the Asantehene has not made any public comment about the Bawku chieftaincy crisis since the peace talks started, but he eventually decided to finally speak as the mediation process has officially come to a close.
He highly lauded the two feuding factions for their commitment, maturity and willingness to work together for lasting peace to return to Bawku, which has been a scene of chieftaincy clashes for some time now.
According to him, it’s important that the determination and maturity that both parties have displayed during the mediation process so far, would be sustained even after the final verdict had been announced.
“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 release admonished.
It said Monday was the first time that the two feuding factions met face-to-face to state their cases since the peace talks started, noting that they both behaved extremely well to the admiration of Otumfuo.
Otumfuo Meets Mahama
Authored by Kofi Badu, the Chief of Staff at the Manhyia Palace, the report also said Otumfuo would submit his final report on returning peace to Bawku to President John Mahama soon.
“His Majesty announced that he would submit his report with his proposals to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days,” the statement announced.
The report said it’s the hope of Otumfuo that “the president would act expeditiously and convene a formal meeting of all interested parties to announce the outcome of the mediation mission.”
Meeting Attendants
Those who attended the last session of the peace talks in the Manhyia Palace included Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson of the Nayiri.
He led a 30-member delegation to represent His Majesty Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Nayiri and overlord of the Mamprugu and the Mamprusis.
Also present was Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, who led a delegation to represent the Bawku Naaba Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Kusasi People.
The report also said, “Hon. Cletus Avoka acted as the spokesperson for the Kusasi delegation, with Dr. Issah as spokesperson for the Nayiri and Mamprusis. Both delegations comprised of chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion and youth leaders.”
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi