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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has made it clear that his involvement in attempts to end the protracted Bawku feud was limited to mediation rather than arbitration, emphasizing that he was not charged with deciding who was right or wrong.
On Tuesday, December 16, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II delivered the Bawku Conflict Mediation Report to President John Mahama at the Jubilee House. He stated that his job was to establish facts and set the foundation for peace, not to render a verdict.
“I’m here not to give a judgment as to who was wrong and who was right. I’m here to present the facts as they are for us to have peace,” the Otumfuo said.
He recalled that about two and a half years had passed since the previous administration had asked him to arbitrate the Bawku conflict, which he characterized as a crisis that had resulted in several innocent deaths and developed into a significant national security issue.
The Asantehene observed that President Mahama promptly reiterated the mediation mandate after the change in administration, enabling the process to go unhindered.
“Almost a year ago, the people of Ghana handed the mandate of the governance of Ghana to your Excellency, and you wasted no time in reaffirming the mandate of the Bawku mediation. By the grace of God, we are able to assemble here for us to present to your excellency the report of the mission you entrusted to us,” he said.
The Asantehene stated that the report was presented for the President’s review, with any further actions solely at the government’s discretion.
“We present the report for your kind consideration, whatever action you and your government consider appropriate,” he stated.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed appreciation to President Mahama and his predecessor for their trust in him to manage such a delicate national matter, highlighting peace and security as the paramount issues for the nation.
Reaffirming the process’s nature, he said, “As I mentioned, it was a mediation.” It wasn’t an arbitration, and I’m not here to claim that this one was incorrect or that one was correct. “I will state the facts plainly, and that is how it should be, applicable to us all.”
The report signifies the conclusion of months of negotiations guided by the Asantehene and is part of wider national reconciliation initiatives to tackle the enduring conflict in Bawku.
The report is anticipated to steer the upcoming stage of government efforts aimed at attaining lasting peace in Bawku.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
