The Member of Parliament (MP) for Yendi, Hon. Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan, has appealed to the government to prioritise and expedite support for the Asantehene’s ongoing mediation process aimed at resolving the protracted Bawku conflict.
His call follows a renewed wave of violence in the troubled area, prompting fresh concerns over the pace and transparency of the peace process.
The Yendi legislator stressed the importance of immediate and visible action, stating that prolonged institutional delays risk worsening the situation.
He acknowledged the efforts of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose mediation commenced on April 28, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace and brought together various factions in Bawku for dialogue.
Hon. Abdul-Fatawu expressed concern about the limited information reaching the public regarding the ongoing deliberations, warning that the lack of transparency was fuelling speculation and doubt among residents.
“One thing I have realised about our state institutions is that they are very slow in these deliberations. People are losing patience. Everything happens within the palace, and when they come out, you don’t even hear what went on. That makes people feel like nothing is happening”
Hon. Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan, MP for Yendi
The MP argued that the government must provide additional resources to ensure the peace efforts do not stall. He emphasised the need to fast-track proceedings at the Manhyia Palace and ensure that critical logistical and administrative needs are met.
Urgent Government Action
In stressing the urgency of the matter, Hon. Alhassan warned that inaction would lead to further bloodshed.
“The government should do everything possible to fast-track what is happening at Manhyia. If there is a need for more resources, the government must look into that”
Hon. Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan, MP for Yendi
The renewed urgency stems from a violent incident on Saturday, July 26, when 19-year-old Hakim Kundima, a third-year student of Bawku Senior High School, was killed on campus in what is believed to be a targeted attack.
According to reports, the assailants forcibly removed him from his dormitory at around 8:30 p.m. before fatally shooting him.
In the wake of the attack, school authorities temporarily shut down the institution, and a curfew was imposed on the Bawku township. The murder has since sparked fresh fears among parents and students, with many demanding tighter security and a resolution to the long-running conflict.
Lauding Mediation Efforts
In a separate development, the Kusaug Traditional Council expressed appreciation for Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement, describing his recent meetings with conflicting factions as “productive.”
The Council believes that the Asantehene’s intervention has the potential to break the impasse that has kept the region in cycles of violence for years.
According to the Kusaug Traditional Council, the Asantehene’s track record of neutrality and wisdom makes him a credible figure in efforts to mediate the conflict. The Council also encouraged all parties to fully cooperate with the process and to prioritise peace over longstanding rivalries.
While the President has yet to publicly comment on the latest developments, stakeholders from both the affected communities and national political circles have continued to urge the government to continue treating the Bawku peace process as a national security priority.
The mediation, led by one of the country’s most respected traditional leaders, comes at a time when many Ghanaians are demanding concrete steps toward long-term reconciliation in the Upper East Region.
With schools disrupted and young lives being lost, the pressure on the state to act decisively continues to mount.
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