As the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, prepares to resume mediation in the longstanding Bawku conflict, security experts are calling for an expansion of the peace initiative to include a wider array of societal actors.
Scheduled to take place from April 28 to May 1 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the mediation follows President John Mahama’s firm endorsement of the Asantehene’s leadership in driving a lasting solution for the troubled region.
However, Security Analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired) has cautioned that traditional mediation alone may not be enough. In an opinion piece released Monday, Aboagye urged the government and stakeholders to embrace multi-track diplomacy, bringing in a diverse coalition of voices to reinforce the Asantehene’s efforts.
He proposed that diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks be actively involved to create a more holistic and sustainable resolution to the deep-rooted conflict.
“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy,” Aboagye emphasized. “The inclusion of broader societal groups will make the peace process more resilient and representative of all stakeholders.”
The Asantehene’s intervention is widely seen as critical to easing tensions in Bawku, which has been plagued by violence and instability for years. With growing calls for a more comprehensive strategy, many hope that combining traditional leadership with modern peacebuilding techniques could finally deliver lasting calm to the region.
