Amid a volatile and escalating crisis in Bawku, Ahmed Isshaq Ndebuari Chairman of Kusaung Heritage Defenders has made a passionate appeal to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to fast-track his mediation efforts in the Bawku conflict to help bring lasting peace.
Speaking to ABC News Gh, the visibly emotional Kusasi leader said, “We plead with the King to hasten his mediation so there will be lasting peace in Bawku. Lives are being lost every day. Some are even being burnt by the military.”
According to Ndebuari, government silence and military excesses have worsened an already dire situation.
“Until government comes out clear and re-erects the Bawku Nabla statue, all the municipalities are closed. No district assemblies will be open, and most of the government institutions are closed as I speak. And we are very serious this time around,” he said.
He reiterated that although the Kusasis remain committed to peace, the current injustice was testing their patience.
“For the first time, we will not use any violence. We will amass ourselves and walk to the presidency if the right thing is not done,” he warned, adding that the community is now prepared to pursue civil action if the government fails to act.
Otumfuo’s mediation has been widely seen as a potential turning point in the decades-old Bawku chieftaincy dispute.
Earlier this year, both Kusasi and Mamprusi delegations welcomed his involvement. Peacebuilding organisations, including the National House of Chiefs, have called for accelerated talks as fatalities continue to mount in the conflict-prone municipality.
