US Ambassador consults ‘Pillar of Peace’ Asantehene over peace, security in Ghana

The United States (US) Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer has made consultations with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over the embassy’s planned support for two major issues relating to peace and security of Ghana.

The issues are chieftaincy disputes and the 2024 General Election.
During a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Ms Palmer acknowledged the immense role the King has played in ensuring peace in Ghana, and believed it was appropriate to consult him on their planned peace programmes.

Pillar of Peace

His Majesty, who is an extraordinary advocate of peace and stability in Ghana, has been instrumental in the resolution of many chieftaincy disputes in the country including the protracted Dagbon dispute, which led to the conferment of the award of Pillar of Peace at the maiden Africa Premiership Award in 2019 by the E ON 3 Group, a top flight events management and business solutions provider.
Presently, the King is working at resolving another devastating chieftaincy dispute in Bawku.
In the arena of national politics, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was instrumental in ensuring peaceful change of government from one political party to the other during difficult periods after elections.

Funding

Ms Palmer said the Embassy has additional funds and other logistics that can support moves to address chieftaincy disputes in Ghana through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
“I want to seek your advice on how the United States can be helpful in resolving chieftaincy conflicts.
“I know you’ve played a very important role in Yendi and also in Bawku and we have some additional funds for Alternative Dispute Resolution and other things that might be helpful, we hope, in resolving chieftaincy conflict which is the source of much of your national security concern in Ghana,” the envoy informed Otumfuo.

2024 Elections

On the 2024 General Elections in Ghana, Ms Palmer emphasised the desire is to see a fair and peace polls .
Seeking the Asantehene’s advise on the polls, she stated:” I want your advice on how the United States can be helpful and must do to ensure peace and success and fairness in the 2024 elections.”

Illegal mining

The US Ambassador also announced the decision to assist Ghana in the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.
“I come again to follow up on the things we spoke about last year. You made a very deep impression on me and the things you are passionate about, I am also passionate about. So I wanted to let you that in response to some of the talks that we had about galamsey and the negative effect that has had on your beautiful realm.”

Response

Responding, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged the US to collaborate with Ghana on economic issues with the view to addressing employment among the youth.
“I follow you with keen interest in terms of what you do and I want to assure you that Ghana and the United States will continue to have a good relationship. I feel that we are partners in development and we count on you on the way forward in relation to be able to develop our economy and also for Ghana to be able to create employment and then also for our democracy to develop,” he said.
The Ambassador was accompanied to the Manhyia Palace by some staff of the Embassy including, the Chief Political Officer, Christopher Perry.
Also with the envoy was the queenmother of Asante Mampong, Nana Agyakoma Difie II.