President Mahama Hails Otumfuo as National Asset for Pivotal Role in Bawku Peace Process; Govt to Issue Position Statement Today

President John Mahama has publicly acclaimed the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as a national treasure following the successful conclusion of his mediation in the protracted Bawku chieftaincy conflict. “Otumfuo has shown that he does not belong to Ashanti alone. He is a national asset,” he said.

Speaking at the presentation of the mediation report, President Mahama extended the nation’s gratitude to the monarch, emphasizing that his leadership and influence extend far beyond the Ashanti Region. “On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, I wish to thank Otumfuo for the honourable job he has done,” President Mahama stated.

Transparency
The President particularly commended the Asantehene for his commitment to transparency, having personally read and publicly presented the findings of the report.

He noted that the live broadcast of the event allowed the entire nation to witness the outcome of the delicate process. “We are grateful that you took the decision to be transparent,” President Mahama said, adding that the public presentation now enables the government to act on the recommendations with national consensus to secure lasting peace for Bawku.

Response
President Mahama, while receiving the document, announced an imminent government response. “I’m pleased that this mediation has come to an end, and that he has presented a report,” the President stated. “I can assure him that government will look at this report, and within the next 24 hours, government will issue a statement on its definitive position on the report.”

Swift review
While committing to a swift review, President Mahama emphasized that the formal conclusion of the Otumfuo report must catalyze a new, community-driven phase of reconciliation.

He urged for the mediation process to now transition into sustained, direct dialogue among the factions on the ground.

Trusted role
The public recognition from the Presidency underscores the unique and trusted role traditional authority, embodied by figures like the Asantehene, continues to play in resolving complex national issues, cementing his status as a unifying force for the country.

Background
Earlier this year, President Mahama tasked Otumfuo Osei Tutu II with leading renewed efforts to mediate the decades-old conflict, which has been marked by periodic violence, loss of life, and displacement.

The Asantehene embarked on this national assignment in late April, convening critical meetings with delegations from the conflicting parties to lay a new foundation for dialogue.