The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has called on key national institutions, including the National House of Chiefs and the Peace Council, to urgently intervene in what it describes as persistent verbal attacks on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, by the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Prof. Isaac Boadi, the Institute expressed “grave concern” over what it said were unprovoked attacks that have continued for “the past five or six years.”
The IERPP also criticized the lack of response from institutions mandated to ensure unity and peaceful coexistence.
“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, is deeply worrying,” the statement said.
The Institute particularly urged the National House of Chiefs, which serves as an appellate body for chieftaincy disputes, to act swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating.
“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,” it noted.
IERPP also appealed to the Peace Council to activate its conflict monitoring and mediation mechanisms. “The Council must deploy its negotiation, mediation and reconciliation strategies to help bring peace between Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II,” it stressed.
Beyond these bodies, the Institute urged religious leaders and faith-based organisations to play an active role in addressing the matter.
“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, it is said, saves nine,” the statement added.
IERPP warned that failure to resolve the tensions could fuel wider 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,” Prof. Boadi emphasised.
