Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has disclosed that both Kusasi and Mamprusi leadership in the protracted Bawku conflict willingly presented themselves for the mediation process.

This emerged during today’s presentation of the Bawku Peace Mediation Report at the Jubilee House.

In his address before symbolically handing the comprehensive report to the President, the Asantehene emphasised that the foundation of the entire mediation effort was built on the voluntary engagement of the involved parties.

"The parties in this dispute have willingly submitted themselves to the mediation process," Otumfuo stated.

The Bawku Naaba has accorded me enormous respect and personally led his delegation at all times to my palace. Whenever I invited, my brother the Nayiri, for very good reasons, sent a delegation of his elders and such chiefs at all times that I have requested him to come. They all express confidence in the process and believe that we will be able to work towards an amicable outcome," he explained.

The move is aimed at fostering lasting peace in the troubled township.

The Asantehene also made it clear that this "was a mediation. It wasn't an arbitration."

• Read also: Asantehene presents Bawku Peace Mediation Report to Mahama

"I'm not here to say that this one was wrong or that one was right. I'll present the facts as they are, and that is what it should be binding on all of us," he explained.

The December 16 event ceremony followed an arrival schedule that saw the dignified entrance of traditional chiefs, key stakeholders, the Chief of Staff, Otumfuo, and finally, the President.

President John Mahama expressed appreciation to the Asantehene for the presentation.