Otumfuo “a national icon of peace and visionary leadership” – Mahama

President John Mahama has described the Asantehene as “a national icon of peace and visionary leadership,” emphasising Otumfuo’s role in securing peace during chieftaincy disputes.

He expressed strong confidence in the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to broker lasting peace in Bawku through his ongoing mediation efforts.

He acknowledged Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his successful leadership in resolving the 16-year-old Dagbon chieftaincy conflict, which brought lasting peace to the area.

President Mahama expressed the hope that similar progress would be made in Bawku under Otumfuo’s guidance.

“Through your steady hand and moral support, as chair of the committee of eminent chiefs, you led Dagbon from years of painful division into an era of reconciliation and renewed leadership,” he stated.

Courtesy call

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the Asantehene and a delegation of eminent chiefs last Monday, President Mahama praised the Asantehene’s willingness to take on yet another complex national challenge, this time in the conflict-prone Bawku area in the Upper East Region.

Present at the event was Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

“You stepped forward to assist our nation in another moment of great need.

Your Majesty’s unwavering efforts to mediate the Bawku conflict, though complex and challenging, offer our country a renewed sense of hope through quiet diplomacy and cultural sensitivity and unwavering resolve,” Mr Mahama stated.

President Mahama said the Asantehene was helping to pave the way towards peace in one of the most fragile areas of the country, adding “I wish you well in this endeavour, and we all have confidence that lasting peace will come to Bawku.”

Context
The Asantehene’s intervention in Bawku comes at a time of heightened tension, with various stakeholders calling for a sustainable, non-partisan approach to peacebuilding in the area.

President Mahama expressed confidence in the Asantehene to help restore peace in Bawku through his mediation efforts.

The Asantehene advised President Mahama to be bold, execute what he promised to the electorate, and not disappoint Ghanaians who voted him into office.

He said the President’s visit to Manhyia within the first two weeks of his assumption of office was an honour to him and Asanteman, and his observation of the President’s performance over the past five months showed that he had been delivering on his promises to the people of Ghana.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he had known the President for several decades as a man of humility, urged him not to change but to continue to be humble, and encouraged him to continue to do the good works he was doing.