Bawku: My mediation role not about passing judgment on who was right or wrong – Otumfuo 

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says his mediation of the Bawku conflict is guided by facts and consensus-building, not assigning blame to any side.

Presenting his mediation report to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Tuesday evening, the Asantehene underscored that his intervention was intended to help parties find a pathway to peace.

“I am here not to give a judgement on who was wrong and who was right. I am here to present the facts as they are for us to have peace,” he said.

Otumfuo recalled that his involvement began nearly two and a half years ago, at a time when the conflict had escalated into a national security concern.

He noted that the violence had “claimed the lives of many innocent souls” and required sustained traditional and state engagement to de-escalate tensions and restore stability.

He commended President Mahama for reaffirming support for the mediation process shortly after assuming office, work started during the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration.

“Almost a year ago, the people of Ghana handed the mandate of governance to Your Excellency and you wasted no time in reaffirming your commitment to the Bawku mediation,” the Asantehene stated, describing the continuity as critical to confidence-building among stakeholders.

A key highlight of the presentation was Otumfuo’s acknowledgment of concessions made by the Nayiri in pursuit of peace. According to him, the Nayiri’s decisions were difficult but principled.

“By the grace of God, the Nayiri has been clear in his mind that his decision to make concessions had been a difficult one,” he said, adding that the choice reflected “ancestral wisdom and commitment to peace.”

Otumfuo stressed that conciliation should not be misconstrued as weakness but an acknowledgement of Mamprugu’s abiding dedication to the success of Bawku residents.

“The decision was not out of weakness, but a testament to Mamprugu’s strength, dignity and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of all communities in the Bawku traditional area,” he explained.

He said the Nayiri has outlined proposals that now form the basis of engagement with the parties involved.

“The Nayiri has outlined a set of proposals which form the basis of engagement that I have outlined with both sides,” Otumfuo noted. “If a common ground emerges, it will enable them reach an amicable solution.”

The Asantehene reiterated that sustainable peace in Bawku requires patience, respect for tradition, and a shared commitment to coexistence, assuring that his role remains focused on facilitating understanding rather than adjudicating fault.