Otumfuo’s Talks To End Bawku Conflict Allegedly Suspended, New Date To Be Announced: “We’ll Be Back”
- Otumfuo's push to bring peace to Bawku has been temporarily suspended, reports from the Manhyia Palace indicate
- According to reports, the complexities surrounding the long-standing conflict have resulted in a temporary suspension
- The talks are expected to resume next week, however, the exact date has not been communicated by the Manhyia Palace
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's talks aimed at bringing peace to Bawku have temporarily been suspended.
The talks commenced on April 28, 2025 and were expected to end on May 1, 2025. However, reports coming in indicate that the talks have been suspended.
Source: Facebook
According to Citi News, complexities surrounding the feud have resulted in the truncation of the process.
The details are scanty, however, the talks are expected to resume next week, although the new date has not been set. Manhyia Palace has yet to officially communicate on the matter.
Why are people in Bawku fighting?
The Bawku township has endured a conflict which has lasted for many years. It is a deeply rooted ethnic and chieftaincy dispute that primarily involves the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, who have both historically laid claim to the Bawku chieftaincy.
The Mamprusis argue that the Bawku skin (chieftaincy title) traditionally belongs to them, tracing their claims back to appointments made during pre-colonial and colonial eras.
The Kusasis, who form the majority population in Bawku, assert their right to the chieftaincy, especially following political support and recognition of their chief (the Zugrana) by successive governments since the 1950s.
Source: Getty Images
Tensions have existed since colonial times, but violence escalated particularly in the early 2000s, with periodic eruptions leading to deaths, destruction of property, and military deployment in the area.
Many people have died over the years, and others have been displaced. Schools, markets, and other public services are often shut down during violent flare-ups, hurting the region’s development.
Successive governments have tried to mediate, often by banning enskinment ceremonies or deploying security forces.
Traditional leaders, including the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have been called upon to lead peace talks to resolve the impasse.
Otumfuo's involvement in peace talks is the latest major effort, but those talks have recently been suspended, with a new date yet to be announced.
Watch the video below:
Scenes from Manhyia Palace as Bawku talks begin
First photos from Otumfuo's effort to end the Bawku conflict flooded social media on April 29, 2025, warming hearts.
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.
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, however, expressed disappointment in President Mahama, saying his actions appear to show he does not have the interest of the Bawku people at heart.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
