The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is set to host the final phase of peace talks aimed at ending the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy conflict. The decisive mediation sessions will take place on November 30 and December 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
This high-level dialogue marks what both the Manhyia Palace and the National Peace Council (NPC) describe as the “concluding session” of Otumfuo’s ongoing peace initiative. Stakeholders say it represents the most significant opportunity in decades to bring lasting stability to a conflict that has devastated Bawku’s social and economic life.
A conflict rooted in history
The Bawku crisis, fueled by deep-seated chieftaincy disputes between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, dates back to the colonial era. Over the years, the once-thriving border town has been transformed into a hotspot of sporadic gun violence and entrenched division.
Recurring clashes have triggered strict curfews, heavy security deployments, school and business closures, and the disruption of essential services.
Hundreds of people have lost their lives, many families have been displaced, and economic activities have sharply declined. Professionals—including teachers, health workers, and civil servants—continue to reject postings to the area due to persistent insecurity.
This weekend’s meeting at Manhyia Palace is therefore seen as a pivotal moment—one that could pave the way for long-awaited peace and finally restore hope to the people of Bawku.