Bawku Conflict: Beautiful Scenes From Manhyia Palace As Otumfuo Starts Talks To End Conflict

• First photos from Otumfuo's effort to end the Bawku conflict have surfaced on social media, warming hearts
• The Bawku conflict has been in existence for years; however, matters recently got worse, leading to the loss of lives and properties
• The revered King has dedicated himself to mediating the Bawku conflict and ensuring that all the feuding factions lay down their weapons

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has commenced talks with the feuding factions in Bawku in a bid to end the unrest.

The parties involved have been fighting for many years, however, the conflict recently intensified, causing loss of life and destruction of properties.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has taken it upon himself to mediate the conflict and ensure peace prevails among all the parties.

The photos from the Manhyia Palace show the beautiful setup of the venue for the talks, with golden chairs and a beautiful backdrop, awaiting the feuding parties.

Asantehene is optimistic that his efforts will yield results and the conflict will soon be a thing of the past.

Why are the people of Bawku fighting?

The conflict in Bawku, a town in Ghana's Upper East Region, is primarily rooted in a long-standing chieftaincy dispute between two ethnic groups — the Mamprusi and the Kusasi.

The Kusasis claim that the chieftaincy title of Bawku Naba rightfully belongs to them, citing colonial-era arrangements and historical occupation of the land.

The Mamprusis, on the other hand, argue that they were historically appointed as chiefs by the Nayiri (overlord of the Mamprugu traditional area) and thus hold traditional legitimacy.

Various governments and court rulings have attempted to resolve the issue, but contradictory judgments and political influences have deepened the divide.

Clashes have erupted periodically, leading to deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and heavy security deployments.

Armed groups and reprisal attacks have kept tensions high despite curfews and bans on motorbikes.

See the photos from Manhyia Palace below:

Netizens react as scenes from Manhyia surface

Netizens who saw the photos from the Manhyia Palace were divided and expressed mixed reactions in the comments section. While some were impressed by Otumfuo's efforts to restore peace, others doubted the ability of the King to restore peace in Bawku.

@Maxibrown2 wrote:

"May peace reign at last."

@Obaatanba_kp wrote:

"If you come to see such nice things which you don't have and still go and fight then."

@AcheampomaaGra1 wrote:

"Are the chairs made with real gold?"

@PrinceC15480732 wrote:

"Those of you who have consistently disrespected Sei Tutu, I thought Mahama would cry for your fathers and your village chiefs to intervene in the settlement of the Bawku conflict. You see, he didn’t because )mo y3 atetan fuo ne anenebor fuo. Mmoa."

@RuleroftheAesir wrote:

"After this, if they still fight, then we can conclude that they’re pure animals with human coats."

@ForsonQuainoo wrote:

"After dis, dey will still go and fight again."

@RaymondBilly4 wrote:

"I hope a lasting solution is found, cos a lot has been lost over these years. May the gods guide the king to a successful mediation process."

Woman speaks about the impact of the Bawku conflict

Earlier, Yen.com.gh reported that a young woman currently in Bawku in the Upper East Region triggered an emotional reaction from netizens as she opened up about the bad impact of the conflict on the livelihoods of women in the town.

In a video, the young mother, who was in the midst of other women demonstrating over the conflict in the Bawku Township, took to her knees as she called on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and President John Dramani Mahama for an amicable solution to their problems.

She therefore called on President John Mahama and Otumfuo to intervene and ensure that justice prevails.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh