The two factions involved in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute in the Upper East Region arrived at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi yesterday, ahead of today’s final phase of mediation led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in the decades-old conflict.
A source at the Manhyia Palace told The Ghanaian Times that the presence of both factions has raised hope and expectations among residents of Kumasi. Many anticipate that today’s historic meeting, chaired by the Asantehene, will help bring lasting closure to a dispute that has persisted for generations.
Opinion leaders say a successful mediation would bring much-needed relief to the people of Bawku and reaffirm the enduring relevance of traditional authority in modern conflict resolution.
In a statement signed by Mr. Kofi Badu, Chief of Staff at the Manhyia Palace, “His Majesty praises both sides for their positive approach to the mediation so far and appeals to all concerned to avoid any actions likely to affect the progress towards a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict.”
Otumfuo’s mediation effort began on April 29 with separate meetings with the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions but was temporarily suspended following the passing of Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, the Paramount Chief of Mampong. As custodian of the Silver Stool, the second-highest position within the Asante Kingdom,Daasebre’s burial rites, held from June 7 to June 9, took precedence on the Palace’s calendar.
With the rites now completed, the Asantehene has resumed the Bawku mediation process with renewed urgency and a clearly defined timeline.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in colonial-era tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, has long been a complex struggle over land, chieftaincy, and political recognition. The Kusasi regard themselves as the area’s original settlers, while the Mamprusi claim traditional authority granted during colonial rule. These competing historical narratives have sparked recurring violence, in the 1980s, 2000s, and again in 2022, leading to loss of life, displacement, and the breakdown of civic order.
Before the mediation was paused, a significant milestone was reached when six sub-chiefs reaffirmed their allegiance to the Kusasi Traditional Council, signaling cautious progress.
In July, the government shifted its approach from peacekeeping to peace enforcement, deploying additional soldiers to curb the killings and destruction perpetrated by the feuding factions. The new strategy includes intensified ground operations and enhanced aerial surveillance to strengthen security and enable rapid response to incidents in the volatile area.
The Bawku municipality, which remains under a dusk-to-dawn curfew, has since experienced relative calm, thanks to the combined efforts of peace enforcement and ongoing dialogue aimed at tackling the root causes of the conflict.
