The initiative, confirmed in a statement from the palace on April 15, follows consensus among conflicting parties to engage in dialogue aimed at resolving longstanding tensions.

The Asantehene has called for full cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the discussions yield a durable resolution. “His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, will resume mediation of the Bawku crisis as agreed with both parties from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi,” the statement read. “Asantehene requests all stakeholders to cooperate for us to find a lasting peace in Bawku.”

The upcoming talks mark the latest chapter in efforts to address cycles of violence rooted in chieftaincy disputes and ethnic rivalries that have plagued Bawku for years. Clashes in the area, often erupting over land ownership and traditional authority, have periodically disrupted livelihoods and heightened security concerns in Ghana’s Upper East Region.

Otumfuo’s role as mediator underscores the influence of traditional leaders in Ghana’s peacebuilding processes, where cultural authority often complements formal governance structures. Manhyia Palace, a historic venue for resolving high-stakes disputes, reflects the gravity of these negotiations. Previous interventions by the Asantehene in regional conflicts have highlighted the strategic blending of diplomacy and heritage to bridge divides, though challenges persist in reconciling deeply entrenched community grievances.