Former President John Dramani Mahama will meet the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on January 19 as part of his continued efforts to find lasting peace in the conflict-affected Bawku area in the Upper East Region.

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This visit forms part of Mahama's ongoing mediation efforts following a recent trip to Bawku and Nalerigu on January 14, where he engaged with local leaders and communities in a bid to promote dialogue and reconciliation in the conflict-stricken area.

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During his meeting with the Mamprugu overlord, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga II, Mahama assured the traditional leader of his government’s determination to prioritize peacebuilding and stability.“I just came to appeal to him and his subjects to exercise restraint and patience and trust that we will resolve this matter amicably.

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So, I’m just appealing to my father that they should exercise patience while I set up the government,” he said.He further reflected on discussions he had with former President Nana Akufo-Addo, revealing that some peace initiatives had been explored during the latter’s administration.“In my last briefing with Nana Akufo-Addo, before he left office, he briefed me about some mediation efforts that they were undertaking.

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I wish to be able to discuss it with him and see how we can continue that effort. I know that he and the late Yagbonwura and Otumfuo were the ones who solved the Dagbon problem,” he recalled.Mahama stressed the significance of his upcoming visit to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, acknowledging the Asantehene’s instrumental role in helping to resolve the Dagbon crisis.

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“Nana Addo gave me a hint that Otumfuo has been playing some role, and so I’m supposed to be with Otumfuo on the 19th of this month. So, when I go, it is one of the issues I will discuss with him. Whatever comes out of it, I will inform my father [Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga II],” Mahama stated.

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The former President’s peace initiative aims to bring together influential traditional authorities to help bring an end to the prolonged conflict in Bawku, which has affected the region for decades.

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