Bawku Conflict: MP calls on all sides to respect Asantehene’s verdict

The Member of Parliament for Garu, Dr. Thomas Anaba has appealed to all factions in the long-standing Bawku conflict to fully accept and abide by the ruling of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the final phase of the mediation process concludes today, Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace.

Dr. Anaba expressed deep sorrow over the decades of bloodshed, destruction, and wasted resources, stressing that peace remains the only viable path for the people of Bawku. The Asantehene, who was tasked by government to lead efforts toward resolving the chieftaincy dispute, is expected to deliver his final pronouncement later today, an outcome many residents hope will mark the end of years of tension and instability.

Speaking to Citi News on Sunday, November 30, 2025, Dr. Anaba urged all stakeholders to receive the Asantehene’s decision in good faith and commit to rebuilding trust and unity in the area.

“There’s not much to expect but peace in Bawku. We have spent a whole lot of years, a lot of resources, time wasted, lives lost, and businesses destroyed because of this conflict. I know it’s not an easy task. President Nana Akufo-Addo handed it to the Asantehene to manage, and President John Mahama also came and recognised that he could manage it and left it for him to complete. He has handled it gently, step by step, and finally brought us to this point,” he said.

He added that the ruling should signal a new beginning for all.

“What we are expecting is that his pronouncement will bring peace, so the government will take his recommendations and everybody will accept their implementation to the letter. We will all be happy with ourselves and live harmoniously in Bawku because we are already one people.

“We don’t have any real differences—just a small misunderstanding about ownership that has brought us this far,” he indicated.