Mahama commends Asantehene for peace in Dagbon, urges similar intervention in Bawku conflict – Nsemkeka
President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his instrumental role in resolving the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy crisis and has expressed hope for a similar resolution in the ongoing Bawku conflict.
During a courtesy call by the Asantehene at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, June 2, President Mahama praised Otumfuo’s leadership in mediating the Dagbon dispute, which lasted for nearly two decades of unrest.
“Among your greatest national contributions is your successful mediation of the long-standing Dagbon chieftaincy crisis; through your steady hand and moral authority as chair of the committee of eminent chiefs, you led Dagbon from years of painful division into an era of new reconciliation and renewed leadership. Today, the kingdom of Dagbon stands united and strong, thanks to your tireless commitment and your unifying spirit,” he told Otumfuo.
The Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, which spanned over decades, was marked by tensions between two royal families.
In response, the government established the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, chaired by the Asantehene, to mediate the dispute.
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After extensive negotiations, the final funeral rites of the late paramount chief of the area were performed, leading to the enskinment of Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II in January 2019, thereby restoring peace to the Dagbon Kingdom.
Currently, the Asantehene chairs the mediation team addressing the Bawku conflict, a longstanding dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups over chieftaincy and land ownership in the Upper East Region.
The conflict, which dates back to the colonial era, has led to numerous fatalities, displacements, and curfews in recent years.
President Mahama is optimistic that Asantehene will bring peace to Bawku too, saying, “Your Majesty’s ongoing efforts to mediate the Bawku conflict, though complex and challenging, offer our country a renewed sense of hope. Through diplomacy and cultural sensitivity, and unwavering results, you are helping to pave the way towards enduring peace in one of the most fragile areas of our republic. I wish you well in this endeavour, and we all have confidence that lasting peace will come to Bawku.”