Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Tuesday presented the Bawku conflict mediation report to President John Dramani Mahama, who pledged that government will issue a directive on the matter within 24 hours.
The report was delivered Dec. 16, 2025, at Jubilee House in Accra. The Asantehene said a committee would be formed to begin reconciliation efforts, involving the National Peace Council and representatives from both sides of the conflict.
“Mr. President, I want to suggest that we set up a mediation process … we include the Peace Council, nominate some lawyers from each side, form a committee and start the reconciliation process,” he said.
Otumfuo noted that both factions appeared to have retained arms and suggested a mechanism for disarmament.
“While talking to them, I also realized that arms and weapons were there … I think we can find a way to get a safe place for them to go and leave it,” he said. “Maybe, an appeasement of some GHC500 not by the government but by the National Peace Council, myself and some people. I tested the pulse and I know it can be done.”
He cautioned the public against statements that could undermine peace efforts.
“Where we have reached, it is more like a reconciliation … We have gotten to a stage where we all have to make peace,” he said.
Mahama welcomed the report and assured swift government action.
“I am pleased about Otumfuo’s report and I can assure him that government would look at this report and within the next 24 hours issue a statement on its definitive position,” the president said.
President John Dramani Mahama praised the Asantehene’s mediation and urged the Peace Council, the National House of Chiefs and religious leaders to continue engagement between the Nayiri and the Bawku Naaba.
“It is my hope that the National Peace Council, the House of Chiefs and Otumfuo himself and all the religious bodies would go the next step of continuing the engagement … to ensure reconciliation between the two groups,” he said.
