VIDEO: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene’s Final Bawku Ruling to President Mahama

In a pivotal moment for Ghana’s northern region, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has stepped forward with a decisive recommendation to President John Dramani Mahama regarding the longstanding Bawku chieftaincy dispute.

During a formal presentation on December 16, 2025, the revered Ashanti king urged the Nayiri, the overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, to officially recognize Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the legitimate Paramount Chief of Bawku and head of the Kusasi Traditional Area. This call aligns directly with a landmark 2003 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed Azoka II’s position, aiming to quell decades of ethnic tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities that have repeatedly erupted into violence and instability.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene’s Final Bawku Ruling to President Mahama [VIDEO]

The mediation process, initiated by Otumfuo in April 2025, underscores the importance of upholding constitutional law to foster lasting peace. By emphasizing judicial precedent over ongoing litigation, the Asantehene’s intervention seeks to prevent further bloodshed in Bawku, a flashpoint area where chieftaincy claims have fueled deadly clashes, including recent killings that have drawn widespread condemnation. Azoka II, who was installed in 1983 and has served as a member of the National House of Chiefs for over four decades, represents the Kusasi side’s longstanding claims, backed by multiple court decisions that have consistently supported his enskinment.

This high-level endorsement from one of Ghana’s most influential traditional leaders could mark a turning point, pressuring the government to enforce the Supreme Court’s verdict and promote unity among ethnic groups. Analysts suggest that recognizing Azoka II would not only stabilize the region but also set a precedent for resolving similar disputes across the country, reducing the risk of future conflicts that have hampered development and security in northern Ghana. President Mahama’s response to this recommendation will be closely watched, as it could either accelerate reconciliation or reignite old rivalries.

As calls for peace grow louder, stakeholders are hopeful that this mediation will lead to sustainable solutions, including government-backed enforcement measures to maintain order. With Bawku’s history of violence underscoring the urgency, Otumfuo’s role highlights the vital intersection of traditional authority and modern governance in addressing deep-rooted ethnic issues, potentially paving the way for a more harmonious future in one of Ghana’s most troubled areas.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II recommendation on Bawku conflict resolution, Ending ethnic violence in Bawku between Kusasi and Mamprusi through judicial enforcement