President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reached out to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for help in resolving the protracted conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in the Bawku area of the Upper East Region.
Addressing an audience at a birthday dinner held for the Asante King in London on May 6th 2023, President Akufo-Addo praised the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his immense role in the political stability of Ghana.
The president said the Asantehene is ‘an invaluable partner in the governance of Ghana.’
Akufo-Addo mentioned the specific example of the Otumfuo’s involvement in resolving the conflict in Dagbon, where he was a mediator, and expressed hope that the Asantehene will do the same for the Bawku crisis. He urged birthday attendees to “make merry and remember the contributions of Asantehene to national lives, not the least to the stability of our country.
“Remember the role he played in bringing a settlement to the crisis in Dagbon and I am confident he is going to repeat that for me in the Bawku crisis,” he said.
The Bawku crisis is an inter-ethnic conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis over land rights, chieftaincy and political power.
The conflict has claimed many lives and properties and has disrupted social and economic activities in the area. The government recently announced that soldiers will be deployed to restore peace.
Otumfuo and Akufo-Addo are in the UK with their spouses for the May 6 coronation of King Charles III.
The 73rd birthday celebration of the Asantehene took place after they had attended the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Watch Akufo-Addo’s remarks below:
Source: The Independent Ghana