President John Dramani Mahama has expressed profound gratitude to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his patience, dedication, and perseverance in mediating the long-running Bawku conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups.
Speaking at the official presentation of the mediation report, President Mahama described Otumfuo’s role as critical to national peace and security, noting that the process demanded time, care, and deep engagement due to the complexity of the dispute.
“I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to Otumfuo for his patience and diligence in working over all these months to mediate this seemingly intractable conflict between two important ethnic groups in our society,” the President said.
Background to the Mediation
President Mahama disclosed that upon assuming office, his predecessor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had briefed him on the deteriorating security situation in Bawku and informed him that Otumfuo had been invited to serve as the sole mediator.
“Shortly after I took over, I paid Otumfuo a visit to confirm the status of the mediation and whether he had actually accepted to mediate,” President Mahama said. “He confirmed that he had.”
He explained that although the mediation process took considerable time, it was necessary to fully engage all stakeholders and establish the facts.
“I can understand the complexity of the Bawku case,” he noted. “It needed time and patience to thoroughly engage all the parties and finally come out with a recommendation.”
Mediation, Not Arbitration
The President emphasized that Otumfuo’s role was strictly mediation, not arbitration.
“An arbitration would normally make an award on who is right and who is wrong,” he explained. “This was a mediation, and the next leg of the journey is to reconcile our brothers and sisters from the Kusasi and Mamprusi sides.”
He stressed that the conflict cannot be resolved through force.
“This conflict is not winnable militarily. No side can vanquish the other,” the President stated.
National Security Concerns
President Mahama underscored the strategic importance of Bawku to Ghana’s national security, particularly given developments in neighboring Burkina Faso.
“Bawku is important to us because it lies in the extreme northeastern corner of our country,” he said. “All the national security reports I receive stress the urgency of settling the conflict so that we can safeguard our northern border from terrorist armed groups operating in Burkina Faso.”
Economic and Social Impact
The President lamented the devastating effect of the conflict on Bawku’s economy and public services.
“Bawku has the potential to be one of the most vibrant commercial centers in our country,” he said. “Unfortunately, this conflict has reversed its fortunes.”
He revealed that essential workers are increasingly unwilling to accept postings to the area.
“Teachers refuse to be posted there. Doctors refuse to be posted there. Civil servants are leaving,” he disclosed.
“We have even suspended posting national service personnel to Bawku because we cannot guarantee their safety.”
Government’s Next Steps
President Mahama assured Otumfuo and the nation that government would act swiftly on the report.
“Government will study this report and within the next 24 hours issue a statement on its definitive position,” he announced.
He further called on key institutions to continue the reconciliation process.
“It is my hope that the National Peace Council, the House of Chiefs, Otumfuo himself, and religious bodies will continue engaging the Nayiri and the Bawku Naba to ensure reconciliation between the two groups,” he said.
Otumfuo Described as a National Asset
In a glowing tribute, President Mahama described the Asantehene as a unifying national figure.
“On behalf of the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the government, and the people of Ghana, I thank Otumfuo for this very honorable job,” he said.
“He has shown that he does not belong to Ashanti alone. He is a national asset.”
The President concluded by commending Otumfuo for the transparency with which he presented the report.
“The whole nation has heard you read the report live,” President Mahama said. “I am confident that we can act on it and bring lasting peace to Bawku.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
