There was a significant police and military presence at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Tuesday as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, commenced a high-level mediation process to help resolve the protracted Bawku conflict.

The heavily secured palace grounds signalled the seriousness and sensitivity of the peace talks, which brought together key stakeholders from the conflict-ridden town in the Upper East Region.

Otumfuo’s intervention is seen as a critical move toward ending decades of ethnic tension and violent clashes in Bawku that have claimed lives, displaced residents, and undermined regional stability.

Sources close to the Manhyia Palace say the Asantehene is engaging factions from both sides of the dispute in a series of behind-closed-doors meetings, with the aim of building consensus and charting a peaceful path forward.

Security forces have been deployed in large numbers to ensure a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the process.

The presence of both police and military personnel is also intended to reassure the parties involved of their safety and the neutrality of the talks.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, widely respected for his leadership and conflict-resolution acumen, is expected to issue a formal statement on the mediation effort later this week.

The Bawku conflict, largely driven by chieftaincy and ethnic tensions, has defied several peace initiatives in the past.

However, many observers remain hopeful that the revered Asante monarch's involvement could mark a turning point in efforts to restore lasting peace to the area