IERPP Issues Statement on Unprovoked Attacks on Otumfuo

The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has called on the National House of Chiefs and other religious and peace institutions to step in to resolve the long-running tensions between the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II.

The think-tank says the “unprovoked attacks” by the Dormaahene on the Asantehene over the past six years have gone largely unaddressed, despite their potential to spark wider conflict.

In a statement released by its Executive Director, Prof. Isaac Boadi, the group expressed concern over the “loud silence” of institutions mandated to preserve national unity.

It urged the National House of Chiefs, which serves as an appellate body for chieftaincy disputes, to live up to its mandate.

“As a body that preserves and promotes peace and stability, the House of Chiefs must swiftly intervene in the matter to bring lasting peace,” the statement said.

The IERPP also pressed the National Peace Council to activate its mediation and early-warning systems warning that the Council “should not be seen sitting on the fence.”

Beyond the traditional and state institutions, the think tank appealed to the Christian Council, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and the National Muslim Conference to publicly engage in peace-building efforts.

According to IERPP, government facilitation of dialogue could also help defuse tensions. It cautioned that failure to act could inflame divisions between the two powerful traditional leaders and their followers.

Read the IERPP’s full statement below

The National House of Chiefs, others, must Intervene in the Attacks on the Asantehene – IERPP

The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy, IERPP, has observed with grave concern the barrage of attacks heaped on the Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II by the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II.

 These unprovoked attacks have been continuing over the past 5 or 6 years. IERPP has noted with disquiet the loud silence that has greeted these deliberate attacks on the Asantehene by the Dormaahene and the inaction of those charged with the responsibilities to ensure peaceful co-existence by Ghanaians irrespective of ethnicity or religion.

 A Call on the National House of Chiefs to act

 The National House of Chiefs as an appellate body for chieftaincy disputes has remained quiet while these worrying attacks have been going on. A key vision of the House of Chiefs is to foster a stronger role for the chieftaincy institution in ensuring peace and unity among the people of Ghana. The House contributes to settling chieftaincy disputes, which is seen as vital for bringing peace and socio-economic development to the country.

 As a body that plays this crucial role in preserving and promoting the customary practices of the chieftaincy institution, ensuring peace and unity, and contributing to the stability of the nation, the National House of Chiefs must swiftly intervene in the matter to bring lasting peace between the Asantehene and Dormaahene.

 Peace Council should not be seen sitting on the Fence

 The Peace Council as we have come to learn, develops and facilitates mechanisms for dealing with conflicts before they escalate, during their development, and after their occurrence. The Council must deploy its negotiation, mediation and reconciliation strategies to help bring peace between Otumfuor Osei TutuII and Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II.

 The Peace Council has established systems to monitor conflicts, detect early warning signals, and maintain a database of conflict information to inform timely prevention efforts. These systems must be activated with immediate effect to resolve this worrying matter once and for all.

 Christian Council, et al, should not remain silent

 The Christian Council, Catholic Bishops Conference and the National Muslim Conference must not also sit on the fence whilst the seeming conflict between the Dormaahene and Asantehene rages on. A stitch in time, is is said, saves nine.

 The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy is, therefore, calling on the above-mentioned institutions to, as a matter of urgency, tackle this matter as it has the potential to ignite a full-brown conflict between the two traditional rulers and their subjects. The government can facilitate this peace-building initiative to bring a finality to this worrying issue.

Source: Asaase Radio