Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Friday, February 14, began the first in a series of engagements with the feuding parties in the Bawku conflict between Mamprusis and Kusasis.
Held at the Manhyia Palace, the meeting with representatives of the delegation of the King of Mamprugu, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami, is part of Otumfuo’s diplomatic strategy to use the traditional means to bring an end to the longstanding conflict which has claimed several lives, and led to the destruction of property.
Nayiri’s team
The delegation comprised Mba Bukpea-Naaba, Paramount Chief of the Bukpeeri traditional area; Mba Gban-Daana, Paramount Chief of the Gbanni traditional area; Mba Taraana; Mba Sakpari; Mba Akara; the Registrar of the Mamprugu traditional council, and the Registrar of the North East Regional House of Chiefs. Discussions were held behind closed doors.
Government delegation
Ahead of the engagement with the Nayiri’s delegation, a government delegation led by Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak paid a courtesy call on the King at the Manhyia Palace earlier in the day to engage him on the Bawku conflict.
Depoliticise conflict
Addressing the delegation, the Asantehene expressed his determination to everything possible to resolve the chieftaincy conflict, and therefore asked politicians to depoliticise the conflict. “Whatever we will do to help stop the fight will be done. All I need is for you to depoliticise it while we look at the traditional aspect,” he said.
Concern
Otumfuo expressed deep concern about the conflict and the danger it posed to the country’s unity and progress. He urged the parties involved in the conflict to put aside their differences and work towards finding a peaceful solution.
