Commentary, News

Otumfuo’s mediation efforts in the Bawku conflict

By George Oko Mensah, Peace and Conflict Practitioner

The visit of President John Dramani Mahama to Bawku shortly after assuming office exemplified his unwavering commitment to resolving the long-standing conflict. This clearly demonstrates the government’s pledge to prioritize peace and development in every part of the country, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous environment for all citizens.

Much has been said about the Bawku conflict, but no clear resolution is in sight. Despite various investigations, court rulings, newspaper clippings, meetings, curfews, and military-police interventions, peace has eluded the area since the 1950s. Conflict practitioners and analysts have identified numerous challenges in finding a lasting resolution in the pursuit of peace.

Despite previous governments’ efforts, some maintain that appointing a neutral mediator is the way forward. President Mahama chose this option, seeking the assistance of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to broker peace in the area. Otumfuo has made significant contributions to Ghana’s social, political, and economic development, and played a key role in achieving the relative peace now observed in Dagbon.

It is important to note, however, that the Dagbon conflict differs from the Bawku conflict, which involves two ethnic groups claiming ownership of the skin. This makes the task of bringing about permanent peace more arduous and complex, considering the conflict’s dynamics, which revolve around ethnicity, land, chieftaincy disputes, and political influence.

Understanding the causes, conditions, perspectives, and processes of a conflict is crucial for effective analysis and resolution. It helps in designing interventions that are context-specific and impactful. Documenting the conflict’s history and mapping out common elements provides a framework for organizing key information. In any mediation process, parties must be given equal opportunities to present their perspectives to ensure inclusivity and fairness.

The use of undistorted testimonies from credible individuals, and the formation of teams of conflict resolution specialists, are essential for effective peacebuilding. Bawku, once a thriving economic hub due to its strategic location on the border, used to enjoy peaceful coexistence among diverse groups. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, as the area has become a shadow of its former self.

The situation has deteriorated due to frequent, senseless killings by unknown individuals, prompting calls for enhanced security and the imposition of occasional curfews. In a democratic state like Ghana, founded on the principles of human rights and the rule of law—the protracted conflict in Bawku is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to persist indefinitely.

It is therefore a welcome development that Otumfuo has resumed peace talks with the feuding parties. With the right strategies and processes, including the use of indigenous mechanisms for conflict resolution and peacebuilding, the conflict can be resolved. However, it must be emphasized that Otumfuo, as a mediator, cannot impose peace. The willingness of the parties to compromise and embrace reconciliation is key.

With government support for Otumfuo’s mediation efforts, it is hoped that agreements and resolutions reached will be implemented effectively, paving the way for lasting peace in Bawku.

Let there be peace!