Bawku Mediation Built on Voluntary Participation of All Parties – Otumfuo

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has revealed that leaders of both the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities willingly submitted themselves to the mediation process aimed at resolving the long-standing Bawku conflict.

He made this known on Tuesday, December 16, during the presentation of the Bawku Peace Mediation Report at the Jubilee House, where the findings were formally handed over to President John Dramani Mahama.

Addressing the gathering ahead of the symbolic presentation of the report, Otumfuo stressed that the success and credibility of the mediation hinged on the voluntary participation of all parties involved.

“The parties in this dispute have willingly submitted themselves to the mediation process,” the Asantehene stated.

He explained that the Bawku Naba consistently demonstrated respect for the process by personally leading his delegation to the Manhyia Palace whenever invited. Otumfuo also noted that although the Nayiri of Mamprugu could not always attend in person for valid reasons, he reliably delegated senior elders and chiefs to represent him at every stage of the mediation.

According to the Asantehene, both sides expressed confidence in the mediation effort and shared a collective belief that the process could lead to an amicable and lasting resolution of the conflict.

Otumfuo was quick to clarify the nature of the engagement, stressing that the initiative was strictly a mediation and not an arbitration.

“This was a mediation. It wasn’t an arbitration. I am not here to say who is right or who is wrong. I will present the facts as they are, and those facts should be binding on all of us,” he explained.

The Asantehene reiterated that the primary objective of the process was reconciliation and the restoration of peace in the conflict-prone township.

The presentation ceremony followed a carefully coordinated programme marked by the arrival of traditional rulers, key stakeholders, the Chief of Staff, the Asantehene, and finally President Mahama.

In his remarks, President Mahama expressed appreciation to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to guiding the peace process and formally receiving the mediation report.