The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called for support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all traditional authorities involved in resolving the Bawku conflict.
A resolution passed at the GBA’s 2025 Mid-Year Conference, held on Saturday in Accra, urged support for the revered traditional leaders, considering the conflict’s detrimental impact on lives, property, and national cohesion.
The resolution was signed by Efua Ghartey, National President of the GBA, and Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the Association’s National Secretary.
“The GBA, noting with deep concern the conflict in Bawku and recognising its devastating impact on lives, property, and national cohesion, hereby calls for strong and unwavering support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all traditional authorities engaged in the mediation process,” portions of the resolution read.
While calling for support, the GBA urged all parties to cooperate fully and to respect the outcomes of the mediation process aimed at restoring peace.
The Bawku conflict has persisted for decades, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people and forcing many others to flee the area in search of safety and better living conditions.
Various measures, including the deployment of security personnel, the imposition of curfews, and peace negotiations, have been employed in attempts to resolve the situation, but with limited success.
However, on April 15, the Asantehene officially announced crucial mediation sessions, which commenced on April 28 and are expected to conclude on May 1 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The GBA commended the urgent and sincere mediation efforts, emphasising the importance of peace, dialogue, and national unity.
The Association further committed to using its voice and platform to advocate for a peaceful resolution and to support any constitutional and legal measures necessary to secure lasting peace in Bawku.
The GBA also addressed other pressing national issues, including the suspension of the Chief Justice, the Ablekuma North parliamentary elections impasse, and illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Regarding the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the GBA called on President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking a legal basis under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
On the Ablekuma North issue, the Bar Association urged the Electoral Commission, the 2024 Election Security Task Force—particularly the Ghana Police Service—and other relevant authorities to take immediate and necessary steps to complete the collation process and declare the parliamentary election results, thereby upholding the democratic rights of the constituents.
Finally, the GBA called on the Judiciary to expedite the hearing of galamsey-related cases and ensure that offenders are held accountable in accordance with the law, considering the grave threat illegal mining poses to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, farmlands, and public health.
