Following the conclusion of mediation efforts in the long-running Bawku chieftaincy conflict, the streets around Manhyia saw rare scenes of excitement as members of the two opposing factions celebrated the end of the talks led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Although the final outcomes of the discussions are yet to be made public, videos circulating on social media show both sides cheering and dancing. This has raised questions about what the celebrations signal.
Speaking on Joy News on December 1, 2025, Security Analyst Dr Victor Doke said the jubilation likely reflects relief that the long-awaited mediation process has finally wrapped up and that the involvement of the Asantehene has given both groups confidence that their concerns were taken seriously.
Jubilation in Manhyia as Asantehene wraps up Bawku peace talks
“I think the two factions’ jubilation just shows that the long-awaited mediation talks have come to an end, first of all. And then, second, having a mediator in the person of the Asantehene himself gives prominence to the fact that their issues have been taken into consideration and discussed,” he explained.
Dr Victor Doke added that the reactions may not necessarily indicate which side “won” or whether any specific decision has been taken. Instead, he believes the factions may simply be expressing relief that the process has moved forward after years of tension.
“Jubilation comes in various ways and for various reasons. It’s for both factions, maybe because ‘we are just happy things have come to an end and whatnot,’” he said.
According to him, the next step will involve the Asantehene briefing President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days.
He noted that the final recommendations will likely remain confidential between the Asantehene and the President, with even the two factions possibly unaware of the details until government agencies begin implementing them.
“But the actual issue which the Asantehene will now go and brief the President on, trust me, will be kept in secrecy. It is probably only the Asantehene who will know about it, and the two factions may not actually know exactly what his final recommendations will be, except for him and the President,” he noted.
The Security Analyst also stressed that while the celebrations are understandable, the challenge lies ahead in ensuring the peace holds, addressing longstanding rivalries, and creating room for development once the President receives and acts on the final report.
“So, I think it is in the right direction; everybody can jubilate for the fact that mediations have come to an end. But specifically, the core issue now is sustaining the peace and facilitating development. That is what we are looking at as we move toward the day the final issues will be presented to the President for implementation through state agencies and stakeholders,” he stated.
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