Businessman Peter Arabe has been officially enskinned as the new Asawase Kusasi Community Chief, taking on the additional role of Second-in-Command to the Ashanti Regional Kusasi chiefs under the title “Waziri.”
He succeeds his predecessor, Abdul-Malik Azenbe, who was tragically shot dead by unknown assailants in front of his residence at Asawase F-Line on July 22, 2025.
The colourful coronation ceremony, held at Dumanafo in Mamponteng, featured rich cultural displays as Peter Arabe took his oath of allegiance in line with Kusasi customs and traditions before being formally installed.
The event was overseen by the Council of Kusasi Chiefs in the Ashanti Region and the President of the Regional Council of Zongo Chiefs, marking a significant moment for the community.
In his acceptance speech, Waziri Peter Arabe called for unity and calm, placing peace in Bawku and cohesion among Kusasi members in the Ashanti Region at the centre of his leadership agenda.
Although the killing of the former chief has not been officially linked to the ongoing Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region, it has intensified public concern given the long-standing tensions between Kusasi and Mamprusi factions.
He urged Kusasi residents, particularly the youth, to avoid actions that could inflame tensions further.
“We, the Kusasi people residing in the Ashanti Region, ought to place unity and love above all else,” he said. “On the situation in Bawku, I am appealing to the youth to remain calm. The issues have reached a stage that requires patience.”
Waziri Arabe also expressed confidence in the mediation process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, describing it as a crucial step toward lasting peace in Bawku. He noted that the support of the Bawku Naba and overlord of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, strengthens hopes for a resolution.
“Following the release of the Otumfuo-led mediation report, the Bawku Naba has appealed for peace to prevail. Once the King has resolved the matter, the conflict must end,” he said. “We, the sub-chiefs, have also advised our youth against violence. If violence happens again in Bawku, it should not be attributed to the Kusasi people.”
In a related development, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Mumuni, Organiser of the Kusasi Youth in the Ashanti Region, called for justice for the late chief, stressing that accountability would serve as a deterrent against future attacks.
He confirmed reports that suspects had been arrested and urged the youth to remain calm as investigations continue.
“We want justice to be served at the end of the trial. That will serve as a warning to others,” he said.
He further called on the Kusasi community in Asawase and beyond to remain united and support Waziri Peter Arabe in fulfilling his mandate.
Special Guest of Honour, Naaba Musah Akanbonga, President of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in the Ashanti Region and Frafra Chief of Kumasi, also encouraged northerners living in the south to preserve their cultural identity, stressing the importance of maintaining language and traditions across generations.
Waziri Peter Arabe expressed gratitude to traditional leaders who attended the ceremony, acknowledging the key role played by Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II in the installation process. He also prayed for divine guidance as he begins his tenure and ongoing peace efforts.
Businessman Peter Arabe has been officially enskinned as the new Asawase Kusasi Community Chief, taking on the additional role of Second-in-Command to the Ashanti Regional Kusasi chiefs under the title “Waziri.”
He succeeds his predecessor, Abdul-Malik Azenbe, who was tragically shot dead by unknown assailants in front of his residence at Asawase F-Line on July 22, 2025.
The colourful coronation ceremony, held at Dumanafo in Mamponteng, featured rich cultural displays as Peter Arabe took his oath of allegiance in line with Kusasi customs and traditions before being formally installed.
The event was overseen by the Council of Kusasi Chiefs in the Ashanti Region and the President of the Regional Council of Zongo Chiefs, marking a significant moment for the community.
In his acceptance speech, Waziri Peter Arabe called for unity and calm, placing peace in Bawku and cohesion among Kusasi members in the Ashanti Region at the centre of his leadership agenda.
Although the killing of the former chief has not been officially linked to the ongoing Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region, it has intensified public concern given the long-standing tensions between Kusasi and Mamprusi factions.
He urged Kusasi residents, particularly the youth, to avoid actions that could inflame tensions further.
“We, the Kusasi people residing in the Ashanti Region, ought to place unity and love above all else,” he said. “On the situation in Bawku, I am appealing to the youth to remain calm. The issues have reached a stage that requires patience.”
Waziri Arabe also expressed confidence in the mediation process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, describing it as a crucial step toward lasting peace in Bawku. He noted that the support of the Bawku Naba and overlord of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, strengthens hopes for a resolution.
“Following the release of the Otumfuo-led mediation report, the Bawku Naba has appealed for peace to prevail. Once the King has resolved the matter, the conflict must end,” he said. “We, the sub-chiefs, have also advised our youth against violence. If violence happens again in Bawku, it should not be attributed to the Kusasi people.”
In a related development, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Mumuni, Organiser of the Kusasi Youth in the Ashanti Region, called for justice for the late chief, stressing that accountability would serve as a deterrent against future attacks.
He confirmed reports that suspects had been arrested and urged the youth to remain calm as investigations continue.
“We want justice to be served at the end of the trial. That will serve as a warning to others,” he said.
He further called on the Kusasi community in Asawase and beyond to remain united and support Waziri Peter Arabe in fulfilling his mandate.
Special Guest of Honour, Naaba Musah Akanbonga, President of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in the Ashanti Region and Frafra Chief of Kumasi, also encouraged northerners living in the south to preserve their cultural identity, stressing the importance of maintaining language and traditions across generations.
Waziri Peter Arabe expressed gratitude to traditional leaders who attended the ceremony, acknowledging the key role played by Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II in the installation process. He also prayed for divine guidance as he begins his tenure and ongoing peace efforts.