Heavy security has been deployed to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as representatives of the Mamprusi and Kusaasi groups await the much-anticipated final determination of the decades-old Bawku chieftaincy dispute.

Armed military and police officers, supported by armoured personnel carriers, have taken positions around the palace to maintain order as tensions remain high ahead of the ruling.

President John Dramani Mahama, earlier this year, mandated the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to spearhead renewed mediation efforts aimed at ending the long-standing conflict, which has claimed numerous lives and destabilised the Bawku municipality for years.

The Asantehene is expected to deliver his final decision today, Monday, December 1, following months of intensive consultations with the factions.

Otumfuo’s involvement began in April when he met separate delegations from both sides between April 28 and 30 to rebuild dialogue and lay the groundwork for sustained engagement. Although the peace talks were temporarily put on hold, proceedings resumed on May 13, with the Asantehene noting at the time that dialogue had yielded a period of relative calm in Bawku.

The Bawku conflict, marked by intermittent violence, movement restrictions, sporadic attacks, and recurring curfews, has, over the years, caused significant loss of lives and hardship for residents.

The prolonged instability has fractured community relations, disrupted livelihoods, and drawn national attention to the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.

According to the Manhyia Palace, today’s sitting represents the culmination of months of sustained mediation, background consultations, and peace-building efforts.