There is heavy police and military presence at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, began a high-level mediation process aimed at resolving the long-standing Bawku conflict.
The enhanced security measures were put in place to ensure the safety of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and stakeholders who gathered at the palace for the peace talks.
The mediation comes at a time when tensions in Bawku remain high due to ongoing violence and a long-standing chieftaincy dispute.
The Asantehene’s intervention is seen as a critical step in building consensus between the feuding factions.
In an interview with Citi News, Sarfo Kantanka, a historian at the Manhyia Palace, noted that strict security arrangements have been made to ensure the talks proceed without incident.
“Anything involving a conflict requires a higher degree of security. No one should be told that there will be a security presence,” he stated.
“From all that has taken place, it has always been in the open, but this time, it is going to be a two-way mediation — some sessions will be held in camera, and others will be open.”
