The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has presented the Bawku Mediation Report to President John Dramani Mahama at a united gathering of government officials, security officials, religious leaders, chiefs and other key stakeholders at Jubilee House in Accra.
The Asantehene appealed to all factions in the Bawku conflict to see themselves as one family, embracing peace and unity to move forward as a nation.
In the report, Otumfuo confirmed Zugran Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the rightful Chief of Bawku and Paramount Chief of the Kasaug Traditional Area.
He noted that by a declaration of the Supreme Court of Ghana, Zugran Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the Bawku Naaba, adding that no other person residing in Bawku could lawfully claim that status.
President Mahama, who received the report, expressed gratitude to the Asantehene and his team for their efforts in mediating the conflict.
“The outcome of the report is not a winner or a loser issue, but how to reconcile the two factions for peace,” President Mahama stated, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and development in the region. He noted that Bawku has the potential to be one of the vibrant cities in the country, but conflict has hindered its progress.
Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring peace in all parts of Ghana, stating that conflict is a deterrent to development and should not be tolerated.
He assured that the Ministry will play its role in safeguarding Bawku and restoring its glory.
The Bawku conflict has been an ongoing issue, causing concern for the government and stakeholders. The presentation of the mediation report marks a significant step towards resolving the conflict and promoting peace and development in the region.
