Security analyst Irbard Ibrahim has commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his pivotal role in mediating the long-standing Bawku conflict.
He maintains, however, that the mediation process would have been significantly more effective had it directly involved the two feuding paramount chiefs at the centre of the crisis.
The principal figures in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute are Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II (the Kusasi chief) and Naa Alhaji Seidu Abagre Kuluga (the Mamprusi chief).
The core of the conflict is a historical dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi people over the rightful occupancy of the paramount chiefdom of the
Mr Ibrahim noted that the direct presence of both chiefs during the mediation meeting at the same table would have accelerated the resolution of the crisis by an estimated 80 percent.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he asserted that while Otumfuo’s role as the sole mediator was laudable, the process could have been more comprehensive if the two leaders had met face-to-face.
He further argued that the Ghanaian public must be prepared to accept that the mediation by the traditional ruler will not necessarily bring a total or immediate finality to the conflict.
The analyst explained that during the mediation sessions, only delegations representing the feuding chiefs met, and not the paramount chiefs themselves.
“The main chiefs in the Bawku conflict are Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, who is the Kusasi chief, and Naa Alhaji Seidu Abagre Kuluga, the Mamprusi chief. However, during the mediation, these two leaders did not participate—only their representatives were present. I strongly believe they should have met face-to-face,” he stated.
Mr Ibrahim stressed that this direct engagement gap was a deficiency he observed in the process.
“I am stating this not to disregard the efforts of the respected Asantehene, but it is an objective observation. I wish to emphasise that the missing link in the mediation is the fact that the two paramount leaders have not yet met. It would have been excellent for Otumfuo to lead the mediation with the two chiefs physically present. That step alone would have resolved the crisis by 80 percent.”
He also underlined the nature of the traditional mediation, indicating that the process is inherently inclusive.
Therefore, he cautioned that no single side can claim victory over the other, as the resolution process is not a competitive event like a football match.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
