The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has advised former Zebilla Member of Parliament Cletus Avoka to exercise restraint in his public statements on the Bawku conflict, emphasizing that reckless remarks could threaten the fragile peace process.
On Tuesday, December 16, as he presented the Bawku Mediation Report to President John Dramani Mahama, the Asantehene stressed the importance of measured communication in maintaining the delicate reconciliation efforts.
“…Cletus Avoka has to be very careful in the pronouncements he makes publicly. It is not right; this is a dicey situation, and we are all trying to make amends and get people to move as brothers and sisters. It seems he is making various pronouncements which would not support the peace that we want,” he said.
He further highlighted that while the Bawku Naba retains authority under the law, public comments that inflame tensions would be counterproductive.
“We have reached a time where we all want peace. The Bawku Naba is the Bawku Naba; the law is on his side, and we agree to that, but you do not make pronouncements on the mediation that will incense the other side. What we have reached is more like reconciliation,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II warned.
The Asantehene appealed to all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and unity, stressing that the mediation process aims to restore harmony and lasting stability to Bawku. He reminded all parties that peacebuilding requires patience, understanding, and respect for the mediation framework.
With the submission of the report to the President, the Asantehene expressed optimism that, if followed diligently, the recommendations would pave the way for enduring peace in the conflict-prone area.
