The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a firm warning to former Speaker of Parliament Cletus Avoka following public comments he made concerning the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy conflict. The caution comes amid heightened national efforts to restore peace and stability in the conflict-prone area of the Upper East Region.
According to information surrounding the incident, Mr. Avoka, a respected lawyer and former lawmaker, made remarks that were interpreted as undermining the mediation process being led by the Asantehene. His comments reportedly touched on sensitive aspects of the chieftaincy dispute, raising concerns that they could inflame tensions or derail ongoing peace efforts.
Otumfuo’s Mediation Role
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been at the center of efforts to resolve the Bawku conflict, following his appointment as a chief mediator by the National Peace Council. After months of engagement with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and government officials, the Asantehene presented a detailed mediation report aimed at ending decades of conflict.
The government has since endorsed Otumfuo’s report, describing it as a comprehensive roadmap for peace, reconciliation, and development in Bawku. Against this backdrop, any public commentary perceived as divisive has drawn strong reactions.
What Triggered the Warning
Cletus Avoka’s comments reportedly questioned aspects of traditional authority and the mediation process, drawing public attention to unresolved grievances linked to the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions. While the exact wording of his remarks has not been officially reproduced in full, sources indicate that Otumfuo considered the statements unhelpful and potentially dangerous, given the fragile security situation in Bawku.
Otumfuo’s warning was said to be direct but measured, emphasizing the need for restraint, responsibility, and respect for the mediation process. He reportedly cautioned Mr. Avoka that public statements by influential figures can have serious consequences, especially in conflict-sensitive environments.
Call for Responsible Leadership
The incident has reignited discussions about the role of political actors, lawyers, and public figures in conflict resolution. Analysts say Otumfuo’s response underscores a broader message: peacebuilding requires discipline not only from traditional leaders but also from political elites and opinion shapers.
Observers note that comments made outside official mediation channels can easily be misinterpreted or weaponized by factions on the ground, potentially leading to renewed violence. As such, leaders are expected to exercise caution when addressing chieftaincy disputes publicly.
Avoka’s Background and Influence
Cletus Avoka is a former Member of Parliament for Zebilla and once served as Speaker of Parliament. Hailing from the Upper East Region, he is regarded as an influential voice on regional and national matters. His involvement in discussions about Bawku is therefore viewed as particularly sensitive.
Political commentators argue that Otumfuo’s warning does not diminish Avoka’s stature but rather highlights the gravity of the Bawku situation and the need for unified messaging in support of peace.
Public Reaction
Public reaction to the development has been mixed. Some believe Otumfuo acted appropriately in defending the integrity of the mediation process, while others argue that public discourse should allow room for differing opinions. However, many agree that the timing and tone of commentary on Bawku must prioritize peace over politics.
Civil society groups have welcomed Otumfuo’s firm stance, noting that Ghana’s history shows how careless rhetoric can escalate localized disputes into broader security challenges.
The Bigger Picture
The warning comes at a critical moment as the government prepares to implement key recommendations from Otumfuo’s report, including a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, legal reinforcement of traditional authority, and reconciliation initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy.
Security experts stress that sustaining peace in Bawku will depend not only on policy implementation but also on responsible communication by leaders at all levels.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s warning to Cletus Avoka serves as a reminder that words matter deeply in conflict situations. As Ghana moves toward implementing long-term solutions to the Bawku chieftaincy conflict, the role of leaders—political, traditional, and professional—will be crucial in either strengthening peace or undermining it.
The episode reinforces the need for unity, restraint, and unwavering support for dialogue-driven solutions in addressing one of Ghana’s most enduring conflicts.
Source: Thepressradio.com
