The Government of Ghana has announced concrete steps to intervene in the simmering dispute between two of the country’s most influential traditional rulers Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, and Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Dormahene. The revelation was made by the Minister of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, who also oversees matters relating to chieftaincy and religious affairs.
In a radio interview with Accra-based Peace FM, the minister disclosed that early discussions have already been held with some stakeholders and that formal mediation processes will be initiated in the coming weeks. According to him, the objective of the government’s involvement is not to take sides but to ensure that the long-standing institution of chieftaincy is not undermined by public disagreements among its foremost leaders.
The roots of the recent tension lie in historical claims and counterclaims about the relationship between the Asante Kingdom and the Bono traditional area. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II, who doubles as the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, has on several occasions raised concerns that the narratives surrounding Bono history have been distorted to the disadvantage of his people.
The Dormahene argues that certain historical records and public representations of the relationship between Asante and Bono do not adequately reflect the autonomy and heritage of the Dormaa state. This perspective, however, has been perceived by some Asante traditional leaders as an attempt to challenge the authority and historical influence of the Golden Stool, the seat of the Asantehene.
Though the debate has been largely intellectual and historical, it has in recent months spilled into public discourse, drawing sharp commentary from cultural enthusiasts, historians, and political analysts alike. The prominence of both leaders with the Asantehene being considered the most influential chief in Ghana and the Dormahene commanding significant authority in the Bono Region has elevated the matter into a national concern.
Government’s Intervention
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of ensuring that such disputes are handled with tact and respect. He acknowledged that the chieftaincy institution is not merely a relic of Ghana’s past but an active component of national governance and social development.
In Ghana, we can also use our Chieftaincy to develop the country. When we had the Dagbon issue, was it not Opemsuo who resolved it?” the minister asked, referencing the Asantehene’s instrumental role in brokering peace in Dagbon following nearly two decades of conflict after the assassination of Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II.
The minister noted that just as traditional authority was successfully mobilized in the Dagbon peace process, it can also be leveraged to prevent escalation of tensions between the Bono and Asante states. According to him, unity among chiefs is crucial for the broader development agenda of the country, particularly at a time when Ghana faces multiple socio-economic challenges that require collective action.
Significance of Chieftaincy in Ghana
The announcement of government intervention also highlights the continuing relevance of traditional leadership in Ghana’s governance structure. Despite the existence of a modern constitutional system, chiefs remain highly respected figures, especially in rural communities. They serve as custodians of culture, mediators in disputes, and symbols of continuity.
The Asantehene, in particular, occupies a unique place in Ghanaian society. As the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commands enormous respect not only within Asanteman but across the country. His involvement in peacebuilding, educational initiatives, and national development projects has earned him a reputation that extends beyond Ghana’s borders.
Similarly, the Dormahene is a revered leader within the Bono Region, where he has championed development causes, education, and cultural preservation. His position as President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs gives him a platform to influence both local governance and national discussions on traditional authority.
Observers worry that prolonged disagreement between the two leaders could have negative consequences. Beyond the historical debate, the public nature of the exchange's risks sowing division between Asante and Bono communities, both of which share centuries of interaction, trade, and cultural ties.
Analysts argue that without careful mediation, the feud could escalate into a polarizing issue, with individuals taking sides based on ethnic or regional identity rather than engaging with the historical facts. This is why many have welcomed the government’s decision to step in at an early stage.
Steps Taken So Far
Hon. Ibrahim revealed that he has already spoken privately with certain key figures connected to both sides of the dispute. While he did not disclose names, he indicated that these preliminary discussions were encouraging and paved the way for more formal negotiations.
The next step, according to the minister, will be to bring the two leaders into dialogue through a process that respects their dignity and authority. “This is not a matter to be settled on radio or through press statements. We must create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding so that the unity of our traditional system is not compromised,” he noted.
The minister’s call echoes the sentiments of many Ghanaians who believe that unity among traditional leaders is vital for national cohesion. Civil society groups, historians, and cultural advocates have urged both the Asantehene and the Dormahene to place the interest of the country above personal or institutional pride.
There is also a growing recognition that history is complex and open to multiple interpretations. Instead of viewing the debate as a zero-sum contest, some scholars suggest that it could serve as an opportunity for collaborative research, publication, and cultural education that benefits both Asante and Bono communities.
Lessons from Dagbon
The reference to the Dagbon conflict is particularly instructive. For nearly two decades, the northern kingdom was divided between the Abudu and Andani royal gates following the assassination of the overlord in 2002. Efforts by successive governments failed to resolve the crisis until traditional authorities, led by the Asantehene, intervened.
Through careful negotiations and cultural diplomacy, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Committee of Eminent Chiefs managed to broker a settlement that allowed for the performance of funerals and the enskinment of a new Ya-Naa. The peace in Dagbon today is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of traditional authority in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
By invoking this example, Hon. Ibrahim sought to remind Ghanaians that traditional leaders are not only sources of disputes but also key instruments of peace.
It remains to be seen how the mediation process will unfold, but the government’s announcement marks the first official recognition of the need to address the issue directly. By committing to dialogue, the state aims to preserve the dignity of both the Asantehene and the Dormahene while safeguarding the unity of Ghana’s chieftaincy institution.
Ultimately, the success of the intervention will depend on the willingness of both leaders to engage in constructive conversation and the ability of mediators to balance historical sensitivities with the imperative of national cohesion.
For now, many Ghanaians will be watching closely, hopeful
that this high-profile dispute will not deepen divisions but rather reinforce
the enduring strength of traditional leadership in Ghana’s democratic journey.