Bawku Conflict: 'Live as brothers and sisters'– Otumfuo tells factions
2nd December 2025
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has brought his mediation effort in the longstanding Bawku chieftaincy dispute to a close with a landmark face-to-face meeting between the contending Mamprugu and Kusasi factions. The historic session was held at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi on Monday, December 1.
The mediation follows months of separate consultations with both sides, led by the Asantehene, who sought a lasting resolution to the persistent conflict undermining peace in the Bawku traditional area.
The Mamprugu delegation was headed by Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson for the Naayiri, representing His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of the Mamprugu and Mamprusi peoples. The Kusasi delegation was led by Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, representing Bawku Naaba Zugraan Asigri Aburgrago Azoka II and the Kusasi people. Hon. Cletus Avoka and Dr. Issah served as spokespersons for the Kusasi and Mamprusi delegations respectively. Both delegations included chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion leaders, and youth representatives.
The meeting was described as cordial, with both sides acknowledging their shared identity as one people with no justifiable reason to continue the conflict. His Majesty praised their civility and maturity, describing these qualities as encouraging for the peace process.
He urged both factions to prepare their supporters for a future without violence, emphasising that regardless of the mediation outcome, they would need to live together as brothers and sisters. Otumfuo called for an end to the cycles of violence and disorder that have destabilized the Bawku area.
“Whatever the outcome of the mediation, you will still have to live together as brothers and sisters,” he reminded them, calling for an end to the cycles of disorder and mistrust that have destabilised the area," he said
His Majesty announced that he will submit his report and proposals to President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days. He expressed hope that the President will act swiftly and convene a formal meeting of all stakeholders to announce the outcome of the mediation.