FOSDA commends Otumfuo on Bawku report, applauds gov’t’s political will

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) has commended Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his tireless and timely leadership in mediating the long-standing Bawku conflict.

This comes on the back of the formal presentation of the Bawku Mediation Report to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House on Tuesday, 16^th December 2025.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director for FOSDA, Theodora Anti Williams, disclosed that the move marks a historic milestone that FOSDA has long advocated as a necessary step toward human security and national stability.

“Since early 2022, FOSDA has consistently campaigned for a “Committee of Eminent Chiefs” to lead a traditional mediation process, drawing on the successful precedent of the Dagbon peace process. We are heartened to see this vision reach fruition. This report validates our long held position that while security deployments provide immediate stability, lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue that addresses the deep-seated root causes of the conflict,” she added.

FOSDA also commended the Government of Ghana for its unwavering commitment and the high-level political will demonstrated in prioritizing the Bawku peace process.

“We particularly acknowledge: We applaud President John Dramani Mahama for his receptive stance and his focus on reconciliation over “winners and losers,” recognizing that a peaceful Bawku is essential for Ghana’s economic growth.

“The government’s decision to empower the Asantehene’s mediation team demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how traditional authority and state power can work together to resolve complex internal security threats.

“We commend the Ministry of the Interior, under Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, for its dedication to safeguarding the region and ensuring that peace is treated as a non-negotiable prerequisite for development”, madam Williams stated.

According to her, FOSDA also underscores that a report is only as powerful as its execution.

“We call on the government to: We urge the swift implementation of the recommendations to maintain the current momentum and build public confidence in the process. We also call for an immediate “Development Marshall Plan” for Bawku to restore the healthcare, education, and trade sectors that have been crippled by years of unrest,” the Executive Director stated.

FOSDA applauds the leadership of the Mamprusi and Kusasi factions for choosing the table of dialogue over the battlefield. However, the success of this report rests largely on the shoulders of the youth.

We urge the youth of Bawku to:

1. Reject Incitement: Do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments of violence.
2. Embrace the “One Family” Vision: Follow the Asantehene’s counsel to see yourselves

as one people with a shared destiny.

3. Be Peace Ambassadors: Channel your energy into innovation and trade to help Bawku regain its status as a vibrant commercial hub.

Peace is not a sign of weakness; it is the ultimate foundation for the prosperity the people of Bawku deserve, we call on all parties to ensure that the guns remain silent forever, so that development can finally take root.

FOSDA remains committed to monitoring the peace process and supporting all initiatives that promote human security, justice, and development across Ghana and the West African subregion.