On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, would begin mediating the ongoing Bawku conflict between the rival Kusasi and Mamprusi factions.
The procedure is part of an attempt to put an end to the years of fighting that have killed people, destroyed property, and uprooted people from the Bawku area.
To address the Bawku disturbances, the Asantehene stated in a statement released on April 15 that the mediation sessions will be held in his palace in Kumasi from April 28 to May 1.
The restart of the Asantehene-led peace mediation process was promised earlier this month by President John Mahama.
He stated, “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.”
“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.
Respected security analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), meanwhile, has urged wider backing for the Asantehene’s approach and emphasized the pressing necessity of adopting multi-track diplomacy in order to fortify the peace process.
Colonel Aboagye, in a provocative opinion piece published today, called on national stakeholders to enhance the mediation by including women’s peacebuilding networks, youth influencers, and diaspora leaders. He contended that a multifaceted approach could result in a more inclusive and sustainable resolution to the long-running conflict.
He suggested using “Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks.”
He cautioned that the long-standing divisions might not be entirely resolved by conventional diplomacy alone.
Source: newsthemegh.com