The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned the Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Cletus Avoka, over some of his public remarks on the ongoing Bawku conflict, warning that such statements could heighten tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.

Speaking while presenting the mediation committee’s report to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on December 16, 2025, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged the MP to exercise restraint and discretion in his public commentary to support the reconciliation process.

“My son Cletus Avorkah, if he is here, he has to be very careful about the pronouncements he makes publicly. It is not right. This is a delicate situation, and we are all working to make amends and bring people together as brothers and sisters,” the Asantehene said.

He added that some of the statements attributed to the MP risk inflaming passions rather than fostering peace. “It seems he is making various pronouncements that will not lead to the peace we want. We want peace, and we do not make pronouncements on radio that will incense the other side. I will invite him personally and speak to him. We have reached the reconciliation stage,” he noted.

The Asantehene further appealed to all public officials and opinion leaders to be circumspect in their comments on the conflict, cautioning that inflammatory rhetoric could incite residents or escalate tensions at a time when efforts are underway to stabilise the area and support government-led interventions.

The presentation of the mediation report marks a major milestone in the national peace initiative spearheaded by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to restore lasting peace, stability, and reconciliation in Bawku and its surrounding communities.

The Bawku conflict has persisted for several years, and President Mahama has identified its resolution as a key priority of his administration.