2016 Elections John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo faced off again in the general elections of 2016. The political atmosphere was charged with inflammatory rhetoric and mutual suspicion between the two leading parties.

His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was present once more, providing a listening ear to private complaints from both sides regarding the conduct of each other’s campaigns. As Election Day drew nearer, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II intensified his shuttle diplomacy, holding regular closed-door meetings with both candidates at Manhyia Palace. These meetings continued right up to the eve of the elections, with the clear intent of fostering trust between the two candidates and, at the very least, ensuring that both committed to accepting the officially declared results or pursuing lawful judicial processes for any grievances.

When the results of the elections were finally announced, they resoundingly favored Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), marking President Mahama’s loss in his bid for re-election—a first in the country’s history. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II then increased his quiet diplomatic efforts to encourage the defeated president to concede and congratulate his victorious rival.

This endeavor was successful, and the Asantehene remained engaged with both sides until the transition process was completed. Speaking at the Akwasidae Kese to conclude the 20th
Anniversary celebrations of his enstoolment as the 16th Occupant of the Golden Stool, President Nana Akufo-Addo described Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as “A Pillar of Peace and Development” in Ghana. He recounted the Asantehene’s leadership in “helping to bring peace at last to Dagbon” as just a few of His Majesty’s many achievements.

In recognition of Otumfuo’s role and accomplishments as a mediator and facilitator of peace in Ghana, the World Peace Bell Association recently donated the World Peace Bell, awarded to the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, to Manhyia Palace. The Bell now sits on the grounds of Manhyia Palace, the official residence of the King of Asante.