Today marks the return of Otumfuo’s mediation efforts in resolving the Bawku conflict.

Today, on Monday, April 28, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will continue his mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing Bawku conflict between the two opposing factions.

According to a press release dated April 15, 2025, the Asantehene has officially declared that mediation talks will be held at his palace in Kumasi from April 28 to May 1 in order to address the Bawku conflicts.

President John Mahama has assured that the Asantehene will lead the ongoing peace process as part of broader national efforts to restore calm in the troubled region.

Many Ghanaians, particularly the vulnerable residents of Bawku and its neighboring areas, are placing their hopes on the Asantehene’s mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. Women and children, who this turmoil has significantly impacted, are especially hopeful that a lasting solution will be achieved through this process.

The Chief of Army Staff affirms GAF’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace in Bawku.

According to Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the Chief of the Army Staff for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), members of both the GAF and other security agencies are resolutely dedicated to reestablishing tranquillity and safety in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region.

He emphasised that the GAF and other agencies have been working towards resolving the crisis in Bawku, which has been ongoing between two opposing sides. This effort will continue to establish lasting peace for the people’s benefit.

While on an official visit to Bawku last Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Major General Gbetanu interacted with the media and discussed his interactions with chiefs and military personnel deployed to maintain law and order.

During his initial journey outside Accra since his appointment, the excursion allowed him to visit Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Overlord of Kusaug, and his elders. It also provided a chance to evaluate the current security and operational state on-site.

During the visit, Major General Gbetanu, along with Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei, General Officer Commanding Northern Command, and Lieutenant Colonel Kakra Sasu-Antwi, Commander Rear of the 11 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, stopped by an outpost in Kpalore. This particular outpost was where a military officer had tragically lost their life recently.

In light of recent events, he shared concern regarding the increasing severity of the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in numerous deaths, including those of security forces attempting to quell the violence. In his words, “The GAF condemns all the killings and the cowardly acts in no uncertain terms”.

He explained that the personnel were diligently enforcing the curfew, conducting patrols, safeguarding key facilities, and deterring any further clashes to address the ongoing hostilities and prevent further violence.

While acknowledging that violence is not the solution, he urged all parties involved in the conflict to put down their weapons and adopt peaceful methods of resolving their disputes for all benefit.

Major-General Gbetanu reassured that the GAF remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties and will continue working towards establishing a peaceful and secure environment.

The Army Chief warned those causing unrest in Bawku, stating that their actions would not be tolerated. Any violent acts against civilians or soldiers would be regarded as acts of terrorism and dealt with accordingly.

He emphasised that such actions would not be tolerated and the military would respond with full force and determination. He made it clear that there would be no refuge for those who resort to violence.

“I have directed the personnel to undertake deliberate and targeted searches to retrieve weapons in the possession of the people”.

The speaker urged Naba Azoka II to encourage the community, particularly the young adults, to calmly collaborate with security forces to restore Bawku’s former prestige.

Through the Pusiga Naba, Naba Tambiisi-baaluk-Kunwiak Ibrahim Aguuri I, Naba Azoka II expressed appreciation for Major General Gbetanu’s visit to engage with essential figures in the pursuit of peace in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

He expressed worry over the methods security personnel use when accompanying residents who are leaving town. He requested that this practice be conducted in a way that does not hinder other drivers from using the road.

The speaker expressed sorrow over the fact that certain individuals are harmed and even lose their lives during escort activities in the town. They also commended the security personnel for their role in promoting tranquillity and resolving conflicts in Bawku.

Major General Gbetanu responded by assuring him that the escort operation would be carefully reviewed and carried out in a manner that prioritised the safety of the people involved.

Chief Imam urges for an end to the politicization of the Bawku conflict.

Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, has called upon Ghanaians to refrain from politicizing the Bawku conflict and instead join in national efforts to seek a peaceful resolution.

In a statement from his Personal Assistant, Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo, he urged the media to maintain ethical and responsible reporting on the conflict. He emphasized the importance of remaining peace-loving, reconciliatory, and unifying in their coverage. He also cautioned against biased analyses that could further fuel tensions.

The esteemed Mufti has directed Imams nationwide to include segments of their Friday Sermons and offer prayers specifically for peace in Bawku over the coming weeks.

His response follows the recent increase in tension and violence in Bawku.

He urged the promotion of peace and unity in the Bawku Traditional Area, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political views.

Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu – National Chief Imam (Ghana)

He voiced his apprehension regarding the uptick in violence, particularly regarding the torching of a police station and the murder of peacekeepers in Bawku.

He criticized what he deemed a display of blatant disregard and lawlessness, explicitly referring to the incident where the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was shot at by angry young individuals in Bawku. He emphasized that this act undermines the government’s authority and is unacceptable in civilized democratic societies.

In light of recent developments, the Islamic spiritual leader has urged all parties involved in the conflict to lay down their weapons and work towards restoring peace in the area.

He praised the government for seeking the assistance of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to mediate the conflict.

Although the Grand Imam is prepared to engage in behind-the-scenes diplomacy, he is open to utilizing this approach if it helps improve the quality of the mediation process.

According to His Eminence’s wise beliefs, possessing respectable democratic views is commendable. However, he also warned against the unnecessary politicization of sensitive issues related to national security, as it can only fuel violence and benefit those who thrive on it.

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