Asantehene kicks off Bawku mediation, holds initial engagement with factions

The Bawku peace mediation at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi has been postponed. This decision follows an initial meeting between the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and faction representatives.

On Tuesday, the first day of mediation took place. The Asantehene met separately with leaders from the Mamprusi and Kusasi groups. These closed-door sessions aimed to foster peaceful dialogue.

Sources from JoyNews reported that the meetings were cordial and productive. However, they confirmed the postponement for further consultations and preparation. This will help ensure a more structured dialogue in the next session.

This renewed push for peace comes after President John Mahama expressed support for the Asantehene’s leadership. He aims to restore calm and unity in the troubled region.

Otumfuo officially announced that crucial mediation sessions will occur from April 28 to May 1 at Manhyia Palace. These meetings are seen as vital for resolving the Bawku disturbances.

Meanwhile, Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), a respected Security Analyst, called for broader support for this initiative. He emphasized the need for multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.

In an opinion piece released today, Colonel Aboagye urged national stakeholders to enrich mediation efforts. He suggested incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks into discussions.

He argued that a multi-faceted approach could lead to a sustainable resolution of this conflict. Colonel Aboagye warned that traditional diplomacy alone may not heal deep-seated divisions effectively.