Asantehene Takes Steps to Resolve Bawku Conflict, Engages Feuding Parties
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the revered Asantehene, has initiated efforts to bring about a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Bawku. Having already held discussions with the involved parties, he has also consulted with the youth in the area. Both sides have presented their respective documents laying claim to the chieftaincy.
The Asantehene expressed his intentions to convene a meeting where all parties can come together and work towards a lasting solution to the current dispute. He remains hopeful that through this gathering, an agreement will be reached, allowing for peace to prevail in the region.
These developments were disclosed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu during a courtesy visit from the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The purpose of the visit was for the new minister to introduce himself to the Asantehene and seek his assistance in resolving chieftaincy disputes across the country.
The Asantehene pointed out that many chieftaincy conflicts arise from falsehoods and greed. He emphasized that when non-royals contest or assume chieftaincy positions, it is often due to traditional leaders deviating from the authentic succession line and allowing monetary influences to sway their decisions.
To facilitate the resolution of the Bawku conflict, Otumfuo Osei Tutu pledged to invite the minister to participate in the meeting to be organized by Manhyia. He further highlighted the importance of tracing qualified individuals for ascension to the throne, regardless of whether the succession follows a matrilineal or patrilineal pattern. The Asantehene questioned why this process is often fraught with difficulties leading to conflicts.
Drawing from his own experiences, he shared an example from the Ashanti Region where he discovered unfairness and monetary influence within certain judicial committees upon his ascension to the throne. In response, he rectified the decisions made by those committees, ensuring fairness and overturning any decisions influenced by money. As a result, all parties involved have coexisted harmoniously ever since.
The Asantehene’s proactive approach in engaging the feuding parties and seeking a peaceful resolution underscores his commitment to maintaining stability and promoting unity in the region.
Resource
Asantehene Stresses Relevance of Chieftaincy Institution, Calls for Government Support
During a recent address, the Asantehene emphasized the continued significance of the chieftaincy institution within the country and urged the government to allocate the necessary resources to ensure its effective functioning.
However, the Otumfuo observed that the government had not been providing adequate resources to the Ministry of Chieftaincy, hindering its ability to fulfill its responsibilities.
The Asantehene highlighted that the minister in charge of Chieftaincy did not have a seat at Cabinet meetings, preventing them from raising the concerns of traditional leaders and facilitating their inclusion in government programs.
In light of this, he called upon the government to demonstrate the value it places on the chieftaincy institution by adequately resourcing the ministry and giving it the support it requires to carry out its duties effectively.
Drain on national coffers
Chieftaincy Disputes Drain National Resources, Says Minister
During the discussion, Mr. Asamoah Boateng stated that approximately 70 percent of national security issues in the country stemmed from chieftaincy disputes. He emphasized that these conflicts not only drained the country’s finances but also diverted resources away from essential development projects.
The minister highlighted the significant amount of government funding dedicated to maintaining peace in areas affected by chieftaincy disputes. He expressed the belief that resolving these conflicts would free up resources that could be allocated to address other pressing needs.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng expressed his gratitude to the Asantehene for his intervention in resolving the Bawku chieftaincy conflict. He acknowledged that its resolution would bring substantial relief to the government, allowing resources to be redirected towards important priorities.
Leave feedback about this