Asante Youth Laud Otumfuo’s Bawku Peace Role
The Asante Youth Association (AYA) has commended the “globally respected peace builder” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his mediation in the longstanding Bawku conflict.
The commendation highlighted the monarch’s role in showcasing traditional authority as a pillar for stability in modern societies.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the AYA expressed immense pride in Otumfuo’s leadership, sacrifice, and moral authority, noting that his commitment to peace “has transcended ethnic, political, and regional boundaries.”
The group framed the Bawku mediation process as a testament to his lifelong dedication to national unity.
The statement also commended the co-operation of the Kusasi and Mamprusi traditional leadership, political actors, security agencies, and other Ghanaians who supported the process, emphasising it was “a national responsibility undertaken in good faith.”
MP’s misconduct
However, the AYA sharply criticised the Member of Parliament for Nalerigu/Gambaga, Alhaji Nurudeen Muhammed, for publicly rejecting the mediation report.
The group described his comments as “extremely unfortunate, irresponsible, and reckless,” accusing him of undermining a nationally mandated peace process. “Such a statement is not only divisive but also undermines the spirit of national cohesion, dialogue, and peacebuilding,” the AYA asserted.
They expressed concern that his position lent weight to “partisan or ethnic sentiments” detrimental to peace. The youth body attributed the MP’s stance to “a clear lack of emotional competence, unnecessary youthful bravado, and inexperience,” calling on senior politicians from both his party, the NPP, and seasoned Northern leaders like Speaker Alban Bagbin to mentor him on responsible leadership.
Furthermore, the AYA called on Parliament as an institution to address such conduct to protect its dignity, warning that silence reinforces a public perception of the House degenerating “into a house of charlatans rather than a bastion of statesmanship.”
Inflammatory statements
In a direct appeal, the AYA urged Kusasi and Mamprusi youth to ignore inflammatory statements from politicians who thrive on chaos, noting that true cultural pride and identity are sustained only in an environment of peace.
The statement concluded with a reminder that the Bawku conflict is a national issue, citing the Ashanti Region’s central role in national trade, healthcare, and education.
It praised Otumfuo for committing Asante resources to the peace effort even during a period of mourning, underscoring the sincerity of the mediation.
