A/R: Heavy security presence as Asantehene mediates Bawku conflict

On Tuesday, there was a strong police and military presence at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, began mediation to resolve the Bawku conflict.

The heavily secured palace showed the seriousness of the peace talks. Key stakeholders from Bawku attended these discussions. The town is located in the Upper East Region.

Otumfuo's intervention aims to end decades of ethnic tension and violence in Bawku. This conflict has caused loss of life, displacement, and instability in the region.

Sources say the Asantehene is meeting with both sides privately. His goal is to build consensus and find a peaceful solution.

Large numbers of security forces are present to maintain calm during this process. Their presence reassures all parties about their safety and the neutrality of the talks.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is respected for his leadership and conflict resolution skills. He is expected to release a formal statement on this mediation effort later this week.

The Bawku conflict stems mainly from chieftaincy and ethnic tensions. Previous peace initiatives have failed to resolve it. However, many hope that the Asante monarch's involvement could lead to lasting peace in the area.