His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has formally rounded off his mediation efforts in the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy crisis following a face-to-face engagement between the rival factions at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi.

The high-level meeting brought together representatives of the two traditional authorities involved in the dispute.

Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of the Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson of the Naayiri, led a 30-member delegation representing His Majesty Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Naayiri and Overlord of the Mamprugu and the Mamprusis.

On the other side, Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, led the delegation representing the Bawku Naaba, Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Kusasi people.

Former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Cletus Avoka, served as spokesperson for the Kusasi delegation, while Dr. Issah acted as spokesperson for the Naayiri and Mamprusi side.

Both delegations were made up of traditional leaders, legal practitioners, academics, opinion leaders, and youth representatives.

According to the Manhyia Palace press release signed by the Chief of Staff, Kofi Badu, the face-to-face engagement followed several months of separate meetings where Otumfuo Osei Tutu II patiently listened to presentations and arguments from each side.

The final joint meeting was aimed at opening a direct channel of dialogue to explore sustainable pathways toward peace and lasting resolution of the conflict, which has plagued the Bawku traditional area for years.

The atmosphere at the Jubilee Hall was described as cordial, with both sides acknowledging their shared identity and expressing a collective desire for unity rather than conflict.

The Asantehene commended the parties for their civility, maturity, and respect throughout the engagement.

In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged the leaders to begin preparing their supporters psychologically for peace, emphasising that regardless of the outcome, they would continue to coexist as brothers and sisters in the same communities.

He stressed the importance of bringing a permanent end to violence and disorder in the area.

His Majesty further announced that he would, in the coming days, submit a comprehensive report along with his recommendations to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.

He expressed the hope that the President would act swiftly by convening a formal meeting of all relevant stakeholders to officially announce the outcome of the mediation process.