The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will resume mediation efforts between the feuding Kusasi and Mamprusi factions in the ongoing Bawku conflict starting Monday, April 28, 2025.
The process is part of efforts to end years of conflict that have plagued the Bawku area, resulting in deaths, destruction of property, and displacement.
In a statement issued on April 15, the Asantehene confirmed that the mediation sessions will take place from April 28 to May 1 at his palace in Kumasi to resolve the Bawku disturbances.
President John Mahama, earlier this month, assured that the peace mediation process led by the Asantehene would resume.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, April 11, he said, “We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process, which saw all stakeholders participate in discussions in Kumasi on a roadmap towards peace.
“The Asantehene assures me that the process will commence next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad.”
He added “The flashpoint continues to be the Bawku area. Only two days ago, an incident in a marketplace triggered an unfortunate loss of lives and criminal vandalism of properties. I wish to emphasise that nobody gains from this situation of conflict and insecurity,” he said.
Meanwhile, respected Security Analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired) has called for broader support for the Asantehene’s initiative, emphasising the urgent need to embrace multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.
In a thought-provoking opinion piece released today, Colonel Aboagye urged national stakeholders to enrich the mediation by incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks, arguing that a multi-faceted approach could deliver a more sustainable and inclusive resolution to the protracted conflict.
“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.
He warned that traditional diplomacy alone might not fully heal the deep-seated divisions.