President John Dramani Mahama, in his capacity as the head of a peace initiative, recently paid a significant courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to resolve the protracted Bawku conflict, a violent ethnic and chieftaincy dispute that has plagued the Upper East Region of Ghana for decades.
The Bawku conflict, which has involved clashes between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups, has led to numerous deaths and widespread displacement. Successive governments have attempted to mediate peace, but the conflict has remained largely unresolved, with periodic flare-ups of violence.
President Mahama, who has long been involved in peace initiatives within the region, sought the support and guidance of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose influential role as the Asantehene and traditional leader extends beyond the Ashanti Region. Otumfuo has a reputation for promoting peace and unity among Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups and has often played a pivotal role in conflict resolution processes.
During the meeting at the Manhyia Palace, President Mahama and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II discussed possible steps toward fostering lasting peace in Bawku, including the establishment of dialogue platforms involving local leaders, security agencies, and the various ethnic groups involved in the conflict. The former president emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution, stressing that only through sustained dialogue and collaboration could the cycle of violence be broken.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his willingness to support the peace process, offering his expertise in traditional mediation and conflict resolution. The Asantehene’s involvement in the process is expected to lend credibility to the efforts, as his respected authority can help encourage participation from all stakeholders, including the feuding factions in Bawku.
The meeting also underscored the need for governmental support and the involvement of key national institutions to facilitate peacebuilding in Bawku. Mahama and Otumfuo discussed the importance of creating an environment of trust and cooperation, where local and national leaders can work together to address the root causes of the conflict, which include chieftaincy disputes, land issues, and competition for resources.
President Mahama’s visit to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is seen as a strategic move to mobilize traditional leaders, government officials, and civil society in the quest for peace in Bawku. Both leaders are optimistic that with the right intervention, a peaceful resolution is achievable, allowing the people of Bawku to live in harmony once again.
The conflict in Bawku has been a significant challenge for Ghana, with its far-reaching implications for regional stability. As efforts continue, the collaboration between political leaders like President John Dramani Mahama and respected traditional figures like Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is expected to be a crucial factor in bringing lasting peace to the region.
By Isaac Fiifi Klotey Mensah