Following a crucial face-to-face mediation session between the feuding Kusaasi and Mamprusi factions, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Nalerigu/Gambaga, Hon. Mumuni Muhammed Nurideen, has issued an urgent appeal for all parties in the Bawku conflict to fully commit to the proposals expected from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The MP stressed that the success of this high-stakes, regional intervention hinges entirely on the patience and cooperation of the people of Bawku, who have endured years of destabilizing violence.
Speaking in an interview, Hon. Nurideen expressed deep gratitude to the Manhyia Palace for undertaking the complex task of mediating the conflict, which has persistently undermined peace in the Bawku traditional area. “The success of this mediation depends on both factions cooperating fully with the Asantehene’s recommendations,” the MP said.
Emphasizing the necessity of putting the region’s stability first, Hon. Nurideen called on community members, traditional leaders, and youth groups to actively support the remaining steps of the process by refraining from any actions that could derail the search for lasting peace.
Pathway to Peace
The appeal follows a key milestone achieved on Monday, December 1, 2025, when His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II rounded off months of separate hearings by bringing the contending parties together for a final, face-to-face meeting at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi.
This marked the first time the factions had sat directly together since the mediation efforts began, signalling significant progress in establishing a pathway to resolution.
The meeting saw the Kusaasi delegation, representing the Bawku Naaba Zugraan Asigri Aburgrago Azoka II, led by Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, with Hon. Cletus Avoka serving as spokesperson.
The Mamprusi delegation represented His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of the Mamprugu, and was led by Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, with Dr. Issah acting as their spokesperson. Both delegations included a wide array of stakeholders, including Chiefs, Lawyers, Academics, and Youth Leaders.
After spending several months meticulously listening to both sides present their arguments separately, the Asantehene successfully guided the two groups to speak directly to each other, fostering a crucial moment of mutual acknowledgment.
Urgency for Peace and Acceptance
The atmosphere during the meeting was described as cordial, with both the Kusaasi and Mamprusi representatives emphasizing the fact that they are fundamentally one people who have no reason to be at war with one another.
His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II thanked both sides for the civility and maturity displayed during the crucial engagement.
He urged the leaders to start preparing the minds of their supporters immediately, ensuring they are prepared to put a permanent end to violence and disorder in their communities, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the mediation.
“I appeal to both the Kusaasi and Mamprusi factions to exercise patience, embrace peace, and agree to whatever proposals the Asantehene presents to the President so that we can finally achieve lasting peace”
Hon. Mumuni Muhammed Nurideen, MP for Nalerigu/Gambaga
The next critical step in the process is scheduled for the coming days, as the Asantehene prepares to submit his final report and proposals to President John Dramani Mahama. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed hope that the President would act expeditiously and convene a formal meeting of all interested parties to publicly announce the final, binding outcome of the complex mediation mission.
The MP’s appeal serves as a critical pre-emptive political and social endorsement of the Asantehene’s work, stressing that the moment demands the immediate cessation of hostility and full acceptance of the judicial and traditional recommendations.
The fate of Bawku, and the success of the high-level northern mediation effort, now rests on the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the rival factions.
READ ALSO: Trump Crowned First FIFA Peace Prize Winner
