US Consults Asantehene Over Peace and Security in Ghana
The United States of America (USA)’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Virginia E. Palmer has consulted the office of the King of the Asante Kingdom, over the embassy’s intended support for two critical incidents to the national peace and security of Ghana.
As a torchbearer in the advocacy for peace and settlement of chieftaincy disputes, the US deemed it salient to consult the Monarch, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Chieftaincy Disputes
Otumfuo is esteemed for his ability to amicably resolve protracted chieftaincy disputes.
He is credited for the resolution of the 16-year-old Dagbon chieftaincy dispute which had stalled the enskinment of a chief for years.
Currently at his feet is another delicate chieftaincy dispute between the Mamprusis and the Kusasis in Bawku and the US seeks to help with its expertise and funds.
According to H.E. Palmer, the Embassy has additional funds and other inputs that may be useful to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) of chieftaincy disputes in the country.
“I wanted to seek your advice on how the United States can be helpful in resolving chieftaincy conflict,” H.E. Palmer submitted.
“I know you’ve played a very important role in Yendi and also in Bawku and we have some additional funds for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other things that might be hopeful, we hope, in resolving chieftaincy conflict which is the source of much of your national security concern in Ghana.”
Chieftaincy conflict has been defined as disputes involving rival groups over succession to traditional political power and in Ghana there are 300 reported cases of such.
Some of these 300 disputes, according to Security Analyst Adib Saani, are dormant but could be triggered at any time.
2024 Elections
The envoy also disclosed her desire to ensure fairness and peace in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary election of Ghana.
“I want your advice on how the United States can be helpful and must do to ensure peace and success and fairness in the 2024 elections.”
Already, the two major political parties have elected their flagbearers ready to go to the polls in December 2024.
Courtesy Call
The consultation was undertaken during a courtesy call on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
H.E Palmer used the opportunity to announce a groundbreaking ceremony to construct a maternity block in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, November 16, 2023, as well as plans to establish an American corner which will allow some learning materials and libraries from the United States into the country.
On his part, Otumfuo encouraged the US to collaborate and assist Ghana in economic development with the utmost aim of creating employment for the youth.
“I follow you with keen interest in terms of what you do and I want to assure you that Ghana and the United States will continue to have a good relationship. I feel that we are partners in development together and we count on you on the way forward in relation to be able to develop our economy and also for Ghana to be able to create employment and then also for our democracy to develop.”
The Ambassador was accompanied by some staff of the Embassy including Mr Christopher Perry, the Chief Political Officer of the US Embassy.
The delegation was led by the queen mother of Asante Mampong, Nana Agyakoma Difie II.
