By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
A major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to restore lasting peace in the troubled township of Bawku was marked on December 16, with the formal presentation of a comprehensive peace mediation report to the President.
The ceremony, held in a dignified atmosphere, followed a carefully coordinated arrival schedule that saw the entrance of traditional rulers, key stakeholders, the Chief of Staff, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and finally the President underscoring the national importance of the occasion.
Proceedings began with the singing of the national anthem and an opening prayer, followed by introductory remarks from the Director of State Protocol and a welcome address by the Minister of the Interior, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the protracted conflict in Bawku through dialogue, inclusiveness, and respect for the rule of law.
The central moment of the ceremony came when Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who led the high-level mediation process, addressed the gathering. In his remarks, the Asantehene stressed that the mediation exercise was not intended to assign blame but to establish a lawful and sustainable path to peace.
He stated that he had come to the conclusion that the only viable route to a lasting resolution coincides with the strict enforcement of Ghana’s laws, the 1992 Constitution, and the settled position of the Supreme Court. According to Otumfuo, the apex court has already determined that the matter should not be relitigated, as Sigiri Abugrago Azoka is the lawful chief of Bawku and the Paramount Chief of the Kusasi Traditional Area.
Otumfuo noted that Azoka has served as a member of the National House of Chiefs for nearly 40 years, has been duly gazetted, and is fully recognized under Ghanaian law. He emphasized that his right to rule must not be disturbed, except through a judicial and constitutionally recognised process. He added that where clarity is required on the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, the only lawful remedy lies in seeking clarification or review from the Supreme Court itself, if such an option is available.
Reaffirming the position of the law, the Asantehene stressed that Sigiri Abugrago Azoka remains the lawful chief of Bawku and the Paramount Chief of the Kusasi Traditional Area, expressing confidence that adherence to the rule of law would assure sustainable and enduring peace.
In the spirit of transparency, Otumfuo also presented the perspectives and accounts of both the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions, reflecting months of extensive consultations, dialogue, and negotiations aimed at fostering reconciliation and mutual understanding.
Following his remarks, the Asantehene symbolically handed over the comprehensive peace mediation report to the President, marking the culmination of sustained efforts led by Otumfuo and supported by traditional authorities, state institutions, and other stakeholders.
The presentation of the report is widely regarded as a critical step toward breaking the cycle of violence in Bawku and laying a firm foundation for reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and lasting stability in the area.
